Prince Harry Earned Up to $100,000 for MasterClass on Grief, Reports Say

Prince Harry reportedly received up to $100,000 for his participation as a co-instructor in a MasterClass session titled "Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss." He may also be eligible for a share of the subscription revenue generated by the course, according to reports.

A spokesman for Prince Harry confirmed that he was paid by MasterClass for his involvement but declined to provide further details. Sources close to the prince have suggested that he should not face criticism for speaking openly about his experiences with grief and depression.

In the 99-minute MasterClass, Harry shared an emotional account of coping with the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and his struggles with depression and feelings of uselessness after stepping back from royal duties, a period often referred to as "Megxit." He described how official royal duties left him feeling suffocated and triggered panic attacks, hindering his ability to properly grieve.

MasterClass instructors typically receive an upfront payment of at least $100,000, along with a percentage of subscription revenue, Forbes reported. Harry is listed as a co-instructor alongside neuroscientist Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor.

The online course, which aims to help viewers "discover new ways to process grief and loss," is not available for free. Subscriptions to the San Francisco-based platform range from £10 to £19 per month.

Prince Harry stated that after marrying Meghan Markle and becoming a father, he experienced guilt over allowing himself to be happy. He detailed an adrenaline crash after moving to Canada with his family, leading to a period of depression. He also shared how therapy helped him and described a moment where spraying himself with his mother's perfume brought suppressed memories and emotions to the surface.

He explained that for years, he felt emotionally numb and believed this was a sign of strength, but later realized it was a coping mechanism for a 12-year-old boy who lacked the tools to heal. He recounted how his therapist encouraged him to use his mother's scent to unlock his grief, a practice that he said allowed long-hidden emotions to resurface.

Harry revealed that he did not cry for nearly two decades after his mother's death, only at her burial. He expressed a desire to honor his mother's legacy through his work, noting the similarities between his endeavors and her past efforts.

He also discussed his time in the military, particularly his deployment to Afghanistan, as life-changing and a source of purpose that also triggered past traumas. Harry described how therapy eventually provided him with "permission to grieve" and emphasized the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy when combined with conventional treatments.

He adheres to a strict "ten-day rule," ensuring he spends no more than ten consecutive days away from his wife and children to maintain his happiness and balance his work with his family life. He expressed a hope that his mother would be proud of his efforts to continue her legacy.

Harry also mentioned difficulties in finding appropriate mental health support initially, encountering general practitioners who were not equipped to help and were inclined to offer medication, which he was reluctant to take. His experience in the Army provided a sense of purpose and served as a distraction from his internal struggles.

The MasterClass session occurred as Meghan Markle made a public appearance in London, and follows the publication of Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," which also touched upon his mental health struggles and relationship with the royal family.