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The Express Gazette
Sunday, October 11, 2026

Prince Harry Details Lifelong Struggle with Depression

The Duke of Sussex speaks about the profound impact of depression, his mother's death, and family dynamics in a new video.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Prince Harry Details Lifelong Struggle with Depression

Prince Harry has described his lifelong battle with depression, detailing how the illness intensified during the period leading up to and following his and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties, a phase he referred to as "Megxit."

In a newly released video, the Duke of Sussex spoke of a particularly dark period where he struggled to recall vivid memories of his late mother, Princess Diana. "I couldn't remember my mum's laugh. I couldn't remember what she looked like," Harry stated, looking directly at the camera.

His mental health struggles, he explained, took hold during his youth and escalated significantly during the challenging times of "Megxit." During this period, he reportedly felt he was in a "very dark place."

The Duke has previously alluded to the difficulties he faced within the Royal Family, particularly concerning his position as the younger sibling. His 2023 memoir, "Spare," offered a candid account of his life within the monarchy, detailing his feelings of being overshadowed by his elder brother, Prince William.

He has also spoken about the profound grief following his mother's death in 1997, an event that significantly impacted his emotional well-being. The trauma of losing Diana at a young age, coupled with the pressures of public life and his evolving relationship with the Royal Family, contributed to his ongoing mental health challenges.

Prince Harry has described the mental health problems he suffered after Megxit and the grief of losing his mother for his new series with American education platform MasterClass, titled 'Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss'

Prince Harry's openness about his experiences with depression and grief is part of a broader effort to destigmatize mental health conversations. He has been a vocal advocate for mental well-being, aiming to encourage others to seek support and share their own struggles.

The Duke of Sussex spoke to neuroscientist Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor during the Masterclass series


Sources