Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are opening up about their personal struggles, sharing their honest and vulnerable thoughts on mental health and resilience during their visit to Australia.
During appearances in Melbourne on April 16, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke honestly about grief, pressure, and the challenges they have faced both publicly and privately.
Prince Harry Admits He Has Faced Challenges Behind Closed Doors
Getty“When I was invited to speak at this summit, I wasn’t sure whether I was expected to speak as someone who, despite everything, has their s— together. Or as someone who, despite what it may look like, actually doesn’t have his s— together,” he said.
He added that while his life experiences may be unique, the emotions tied to them are not.
People quoted him as saying, “But I was struck by something quite simple — that while my experiences may be unusual, the feelings that come with them are not.”
Prince Harry Opens Up About Loss of Princess Diana
GettyDuring his speech, Harry reflected on the lasting impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
“In my experience, loss is disorienting at any age,” he said. “Grief does not disappear because we ignore it.”
He said growing up under intense public scrutiny made it more difficult to process those emotions.
“Experiencing that as a kid while in a goldfish bowl under constant surveillance, yes, that will have its challenges. And without purpose, it can break you.”
GettyHarry also spoke about the emotional challenges he has faced over time.
Getty“There have been many times when I’ve felt overwhelmed,” he said. “Times when I’ve felt lost, betrayed, or completely powerless.”
Meghan Markle Speaks Out About Online Abuse
GettyMeghan Markle also shared her own experiences, speaking candidly about the impact of online abuse during a visit to a youth charity in Melbourne.
She told students she has faced years of criticism on social media.
“For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. And I was the most trolled person in the entire world. Now, I’m still here,” she said.
Meghan connected her experience to broader concerns about social media, arguing that platforms are often driven by engagement rather than accountability.
She described them as “that industry, that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks.”
Turning Personal Struggles Into Purpose
GettyHarry also reflected on how his perspective has changed over time, particularly as he worked through grief and the expectations that came with his role.
“I was like, ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role — wherever this is headed, I don’t like it,’ ” he said, recalling his younger years, as reported by CNN.
Over time, he said he began to see his position differently and consider how he could use it to make a positive impact.
“And also, what would my mum want me to do? And that really changed my own perspective.”
For both Harry and Meghan, the visit marked another moment of openness as they continue to speak about mental health, resilience, and the realities of life in the public eye.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach the toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dial 888-628-9454 for assistance in Spanish). You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor anytime by texting HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
