Prince Harry Details Depression and Emotional Numbness After Royal Exit

Prince Harry has shared that he experienced a period of depression and an "adrenaline crash" after relocating to Canada in 2019, seeking to distance himself from a stressful environment. He described slipping into depression for approximately two weeks, during which he felt unable to function without adrenaline.

These remarks were made as part of a paid online masterclass on managing grief. The Duke of Sussex discussed a prolonged feeling of being "emotionally numb" in the years following his mother Diana, Princess of Wales's death. He explained this emotional state stemmed from a sense of disloyalty and guilt over the possibility of feeling happy without her.

"I felt like I had to be sad and I had to be emotionally numb in order to prove to her that I missed her," Prince Harry stated, reflecting on his grief after his mother's death when he was 12 years old.

He also referenced his military service, saying, "In my 20s, I went to war twice thinking I could outrun my feelings." However, he found that this did not alleviate his emotional struggles.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan had previously announced their step back from royal duties, leading to their move to the United States. The couple, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, recently returned to the UK for an extended stay after six years abroad. They are reportedly residing in the Cotswolds.

During the masterclass, Prince Harry also revealed a personal rule: he would not be separated from his family for more than 10 days. He and his brother, Prince William, have spoken openly about their mental health challenges, particularly in relation to their mother's death, and both are involved with mental health initiatives.