Katie Price has spoken about the profound impact her past struggles with depression and addiction had on her children, Junior and Princess Andre. Appearing on television, Price addressed her children's tearful accounts in her new documentary, "Katie Price: Nothing to Hide," where they described feeling neglected and having to care for themselves and younger siblings during her breakdown.
Price, 48, admitted she was unaware of the extent of her children's suffering at the time. "I never knew [what they went through] because obviously I wanted to kill myself and I did try," she stated. "That period of my life, I don't think people realize when I said when I said I had a breakdown, I wanted to die, didn't want to be here."
Her children recounted the difficult period, with Junior, then 13, and Princess, then 10, explaining that their mother was often absent or incapable of caring for them due to substance abuse. "We as siblings just kind of looked after each other," Junior said, recalling instances where he had to figure out how to prepare microwave meals for them. Princess shared a poignant memory of her mother giving her a blanket with her perfume on it as a substitute for her presence.
"She wasn't mentally there to be able to do it. And it kills me that I put them through that," Price said, acknowledging that while they have now recovered, the children were confused by the stark contrast between her previous supportive role and her subsequent absence. Junior noted that he eventually moved out at 14 to live with his father, Peter Andre, seeking a more stable environment.
Price's struggles intensified following the collapse of her marriage to Kieran Hayler, leading to a period of depression and cocaine addiction. This culminated in September 2021 when she pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance after flipping her car. She received a suspended sentence and a driving ban, alongside a court-mandated rehabilitation stay where she was diagnosed with ADHD.
Reflecting on his mother's recovery, Junior expressed relief and a sense of duty. "I feel like I've got my mum back. My mum knows she's crazy but we love her for it and we'll always be there for her," he said. He also shared a hope that Price would find more self-reliance and rely less on external validation, particularly from romantic partners. The documentary also touches upon Price's recent marriage to Lee Andrews, whom she met shortly before wedding him in Dubai, a union that has drawn skepticism, especially given allegations of fraud against Andrews.
The documentary "Katie Price: Nothing to Hide" is available on Sky and NOW from July 8.