Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pulling back the curtain on the darker side of global fame.
While wrapping up their Australia visit, the Duchess of Sussex joined her husband for a candid conversation with university students, during which she reflected on the intense online scrutiny she has often faced. At one point, she described herself as “the most trolled person in the world.”
Harry also opened up about his complicated relationship with royal life, admitting he didn’t want the role after the death of his mother.
Meghan Markle Said She’s The ‘Most Trolled Person’ In The World
Markle did not hold back when reflecting on the darker side of life in the public eye.
The former “Suits” star made the candid admission during a mental health engagement alongside Harry at Swinburne University of Technology, as the couple continued their packed Australia tour. Since arriving earlier this week, they’ve visited key institutions including the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, the Australian War Memorial, and the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum.
Speaking to students, Markle argued that she had been “the most trolled person in the world,” describing years of relentless online bullying and attacks that have followed her over the past decade.
Touching on Australia’s proposed under-16 social media ban, the Duchess also pointed out that tech platforms are often not incentivized to stop harmful behavior, per PA Media.
Meghan Markle Encouraged Attendees To Be ‘Stronger’
Markle doubled down on her criticism of the online space, warning that meaningful change from tech platforms may not come anytime soon. She told students that the digital landscape is largely driven by negativity and unlikely to shift in the near future.
“That billion-dollar industry is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks,” Markle said. “That’s not going to change.”
Rather than waiting for reform, Meghan urged young people to focus on their own resilience.
“You have to be stronger than that,” the mother of two added.
Weighing in on the move to restrict children’s use of social media, Harry argued it was unfortunate that the issue had to escalate so far before action was taken.
Prince Harry Said He Didn’t Want Royal Role After Diana’s Death
The Duke of Sussex also offered a deeply personal reflection on his past, revealing how the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, shaped his feelings toward royal life from an early age.
Speaking later on Thursday at the InterEdge Summit, Harry opened up about his long-standing struggles with grief and mental health following her death. He admitted that the tragedy left him resentful of the path laid out before him, particularly the expectations tied to being a working royal.
“After my mum died just before my 13th birthday, I was like, ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role,’” he recounted. “‘Wherever this is headed, I don’t like it.’”
Harry Detailed His Experience With Grief
Harry went even further into his personal journey, sharing how grief reshaped his life in ways he’s still unpacking today. The former British Army pilot described how losing Diana at such a young age left him emotionally shut down and struggling to process the loss.
“In my experience, loss is disorienting at any age,” Harry said. “Grief does not disappear because we ignore it. Experiencing that as a kid while in a goldfish bowl under constant surveillance, yes, that will have its challenges. And without purpose, it can break you.”
He added that in the years that followed, he often felt “lost, betrayed, or completely powerless.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Face Pay Claims
Harry and Markle have found themselves under scrutiny for their Australia tour, with some critics questioning whether some appearances are financially motivated.
While their office has maintained that the visit is focused on raising awareness around mental health, sports, and support for war veterans, reports have suggested that the couple could be earning significant sums from select appearances.
However, according to the BBC, Harry wasn’t paid for his speech at the InterEdge Summit, despite earlier claims he could pocket up to $50,000. Similarly, reports alleging that Markle was paid to appear on “MasterChef Australia” have been dismissed as false.