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Prince Harry has shared new insight into his complicated relationship with royal life, revealing that he resisted the path laid out for him after the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
Speaking in Melbourne during the InterEdge Summit, where he addressed workplace mental health, the Duke of Sussex spoke candidly about the emotional strain he has experienced over the years. In his keynote speech, he acknowledged periods in his life marked by pressure and emotional difficulty.
"There have been many times when I've felt overwhelmed," he said. "Times when I've felt lost, betrayed, or completely powerless... and times when, despite everything going on, I still had to show up pretending everything was okay, so as not to let anyone down."
Harry explained that Diana's death in 1997, shortly before he turned 13, deeply affected how he viewed his role within the royal family. Reflecting on that period, he admitted he initially rejected the expectations placed on him.
"I was like, 'I don't want this job. I don't want this role wherever this is headed, I don't like it,'" he said. "It killed my mum and I was very much against it, and I stuck my head in the sand for years and years."
He described grief as something that lingers, saying, "Loss is disorienting at any age," and emphasizing that "grief does not disappear because we ignore it." He also pointed to the challenges of growing up in the public eye, noting that experiencing such loss while constantly watched added another layer of difficulty.
Over time, however, his outlook changed. Harry said he began to reconsider his position by thinking about how he could use his platform more meaningfully. "Eventually I realized... how would they be making the most of this platform and this ability and the resources that come with it to make a difference in the world?" he said. "And that really changed my own perspective."
He also spoke about the role his family plays in shaping his mindset today. As a husband and father, he said he has become more aware of the importance of emotional wellbeing. "When a parent is overwhelmed, children feel it. When someone is supported, families feel it," he noted, adding, "asking for help isn't a weakness... it's a form of strength."
Harry further admitted that for years he struggled to process his emotions, saying he had once felt "numb" and unequipped to deal with his grief.
His remarks came during a broader visit to Australia alongside Meghan Markle, where the couple has been engaging in discussions and events centred on mental health, community support and wellbeing.
