The Duke of Sussex has spoken out about the dangers of the internet in a conversation with author Jonathan Haidt.

Harry, 42, a passionate advocate of mental health awareness, told Fortune: “The smartphone is stealing young people’s childhoods.”

“It’s a double-edged sword,” he said, discussing the potential safety benefits of mobile phones.

“[Parents] want them to have their phone at school in case of emergency, but once, like any kid, you have your phone, even if you’re told you’re not allowed to download that app, kids have a way of working around it.”

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales has ramped up her return to duty by making a surprise joint appearance with Prince William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport attacks.

Marking their first joint engagement since Kate’s cancer treatment, the couple privately met the families in Merseyside yesterday.

The Princess, 42, is said to have attended because she wanted to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community”.

“Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy,” the couple later said in a joint statement.

As well as meeting with the victim’s families, Kate spoke to first responders and the dance teacher who was present at the July attack.