Prince Harry is set to deliver a speech on “reshaping the future” of the digital world at a global summit this upcoming spring.
The Duke of Sussex has been confirmed as a headline speaker at the International Association of Privacy Professionals Global Summit 2026, set to take place in the American capital from March 30 to April 2.
The announcement, made to mark Data Privacy Day, will see Prince Harry take to the main stage at the Washington DC gathering, which centres on privacy matters, artificial intelligence governance and cybersecurity legislation.
Organisers revealed the news on social media, stating: “In honour of Data Privacy Day, we’re excited to announce that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, will join us on the main stage at IAPP Global Summit 2026.”
Critics hit out at Prince Harry for speaking out on privacy at global summit
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During his keynote address, the duke will explore the question of whether contemporary digital technology is fracturing or uniting society, and what role individuals can play in shaping its future trajectory.
Prince Harry will deliver his remarks in his capacity as a humanitarian and mental health advocate, roles that have defined much of his public work since stepping back from senior royal duties.
The IAPP characterised the duke as a “humanitarian, mental health advocate, environmentalist, and military combat veteran” whose efforts have focused on generating “positive and lasting change for communities and the planet, particularly in advancing conversations around resilience and healing”.
According to the summit organisers, Prince Harry is “a respected voice on global issues” who has previously delivered notable keynote addresses at both the United Nations General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative.
The announcement prompted divided reactions online.
Some observers highlighted what they perceived as irony in the duke speaking at a privacy-focused event, with one commenting: “Prince Harry talking about privacy – the one who published a book saying how many soldiers he killed,”
Another referenced the 2023 South Park parody, joking about a “Worldwide privacy tour.”
Supporters, however, expressed enthusiasm, with one declaring the booking “absolutely amazing”.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles arriving at the Maundy Thursday service in 2025
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A second wrote: “Omg!!! This is awesome!!!! I thought having Sam Altman last year was top tier, but y’all just keep raising the bar @theiapp. Can’t wait to attend again this year!!”
The final day of the IAPP summit falls on Maundy Thursday, a significant date in the royal calendar when the monarch traditionally presents specially minted coins to pensioners in recognition of their service to the community.
King Charles has participated in the annual ceremony each year since ascending to the throne, with the exception of 2024, when he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
The timing means that while Prince Harry addresses delegates in Washington on matters of digital privacy, his father will be carrying out one of the most historic duties of the British sovereign back home.