Prince Harry has said he never wanted to become a working royal, claiming the role “killed” his mother, Princess Diana, as he delivered deeply personal remarks during a speaking engagement in Australia.
The Duke of Sussex made the comments while addressing attendees at a business summit in Melbourne, where he reflected on grief, pressure and his decision to step back from royal duties. He said he had spent years feeling “lost, betrayed and powerless” before leaving official royal life and relocating to the United States with Meghan Markle.
Harry told the audience that following his mother’s death when he was a teenager, he had long rejected the idea of serving as a working royal. He suggested that the experience shaped his later decisions, adding that he believed Princess Diana would have supported his choice to step away from the role.
The prince also spoke about emotional struggles in public life, describing periods where he felt overwhelmed and detached while growing up under constant media attention. He said that becoming a father later changed his perspective, prompting him to focus more on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle also addressed audiences during the couple’s Australia tour, claiming she had endured a decade of online bullying and was widely targeted on social media. She told students that digital platforms were built on “cruelty to get clicks” and urged young people to remain resilient in the face of online abuse.
Meghan also discussed her personal experiences with public scrutiny, saying she had been subjected to persistent trolling over many years. She added that despite the challenges, she remained committed to speaking openly about mental health and online safety issues.
The couple also used parts of their visit to support discussions on social media regulation, with Harry describing Australia’s restrictions on under-16s accessing platforms as a “strong step” in addressing digital harm among young users.
Their comments came during a series of public appearances in Melbourne, where they participated in discussions with students, mental health advocates and business leaders on topics ranging from grief and resilience to the impact of social media.
The tour continues to attract global attention, with both the Duke and Duchess using their platform to highlight concerns over mental health, online safety and the pressures of modern public life.
