Meghan Markle’s recent comments on “CBS This Morning” have reignited the ongoing discussion about her mental health struggles during her time as a working member of the British royal family.
While promoting the Archewell Foundation’s new Parents’ Network, which aims to tackle the harmful effects of social media on young people, Markle touched on her own difficult experiences, stating that she hasn’t even “scraped the surface” of what she went through.
Markle’s discussion on the subject of mental health was prompted by a question from CBS anchor Jane Pauley, who noted the connection between the foundation’s work and Markle’s past public confessions. Back in 2021, Markle revealed in a widely watched interview with Oprah Winfrey that she had struggled with suicidal thoughts while pregnant with her son, Archie. During her recent CBS interview, Markle admitted she was hesitant to revisit those dark times but felt compelled to do so in order to help others.
“I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way,” Markle said, clutching Prince Harry’s knee as she spoke. “And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans, and I would never want someone else to not be believed.”
The remark subtly referenced Markle’s previous claims that she sought help from a senior member of the royal household but was turned away because it “wouldn’t be good for the institution.” This experience, Markle suggested, contributed to the deep distress she felt at the time, leaving her feeling isolated and unsupported within the royal framework.
Although she refrained from naming names or providing explicit details, Markle’s words were a clear indication that she continues to harbor unresolved feelings about the way she was treated during her time in the royal family. “I dealt with it as institutional Harry as opposed to husband Harry,” Prince Harry had acknowledged in a separate interview. “And looking back on it now, I hate myself for it.”
Despite having left the royal family and established a new life in Montecito, California, Markle’s latest comments suggest that the wounds from her time in the royal spotlight have not entirely healed. The couple’s ongoing work through the Archewell Foundation, particularly their efforts to address the mental health challenges associated with social media, seems closely tied to their personal experiences.
The Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network, which the couple launched recently, is designed to support parents whose children have been negatively impacted by social media. The initiative aims to provide resources and community support for families dealing with issues such as online bullying, addiction, and the tragic loss of a child due to suicide. Markle’s involvement in this project underscores her desire to channel her painful experiences into something positive, even if it means revisiting difficult memories.
The royal family, particularly King Charles III and Prince William, reportedly remain frustrated by Markle’s public discussions about her past grievances. According to a source, the royals are “sick of being portrayed as villains,” especially when Harry himself has admitted he could have done more to support his wife during her crisis.
Markle’s comments have once again sparked debate about the role of the royal family in providing mental health support to its members. The Duchess of Sussex’s ongoing willingness to speak out about her struggles raises questions about the adequacy of support systems within the institution, as well as the potential impact of public scrutiny on the mental well-being of those in the spotlight.
As the Sussexes continue their advocacy work through the Archewell Foundation, it’s clear that the issues of mental health and social media’s impact on young people are personal ones for the couple. Markle’s recent remarks suggest that, while she may have left the royal life behind, the challenges she faced during that time continue to influence her work and public statements.