In a recent interview with Dr. Gabor Maté, Prince Harry opened up about his feelings of being different from other members of the royal family and how he shared that sentiment with his mother, Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex stated that he always felt like an outsider within the royal institution and that his mother also struggled to fit in with the rest of the family.
Harry described his upbringing within the palace walls as “a mixture of the Truman Show and being in a zoo,” adding that he and Diana used to talk about how they both felt like they didn’t belong. The prince went on to explain that his mother was a compassionate and caring person who often put others’ needs before her own. He also said that he inherited those same qualities from her, which sometimes made it difficult to live up to the expectations of the royal family.
During the interview, Harry also spoke about his decision to step back from his royal duties and how that allowed him to start a new chapter in his life. He said that leaving the royal family was a “very difficult environment” for him and his wife, Meghan, and that they had to make the decision that was best for their mental health and their family.
The Duke of Sussex has been vocal about his struggles with mental health and has used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help when needed. In the interview, he encouraged others to be more open about their emotions and to reach out for support when they needed it.
Prince Harry’s interview with Dr. Gabor Maté offered a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a member of the royal family and shed light on the challenges of growing up in a highly scrutinized and hierarchical environment. His willingness to speak openly about his experiences is a reminder that mental health affects everyone, regardless of their status or background, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.