Harry, Meghan Speak on Struggles of Royal Life, Online Abuse During Australia Visit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have opened up about the emotional toll of royal life and years of online harassment during a visit to Australia.

Speaking at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, Prince Harry reflected on the impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12. He said her death made him resistant to royal duties for years.

“After my mum died… I was like: ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role,’” he said, describing how grief shaped his early outlook on royal responsibilities.

Harry added that he later came to see the potential of his position as a platform to make a positive difference.

Meghan, on her part, spoke candidly about the scale of online abuse she endured, describing herself as “the most trolled person in the entire world” during her time in the public eye.

Addressing young people at a mental health-focused event, she said: “Every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked,” highlighting the psychological impact of sustained digital harassment.

The couple stepped down as working members of the British royal family six years ago, later citing media intrusion, racism, and personal pressures as factors behind their decision.

Their ongoing visit to Australia includes engagements focused on mental health, youth development, and veterans’ issues. While the tour has drawn mixed reactions, sources say it is privately funded, and both Harry and Meghan are not being paid for their appearances at key events.

The discussions come amid broader global concerns over the effects of social media on mental health, particularly among young people.