The Duke of Sussex has revealed he suffered a two-week period of depression following his relocation to Canada in 2019. These reflections on mental health and grief were shared during a filmed session for the video learning platform MasterClass. The disclosure comes ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Prince Harry stated that he experienced a period of depression lasting approximately two weeks while living in Canada. This occurred following his move to the country in 2019, after leaving a stressful environment in the United Kingdom. According to BBC News, the Duke reported that an adrenaline crash hit him within two or three days of his relocation.
The Duke explained that he felt he required stress to maintain his brain function, noting that he became useless around the house during this time. This shift in his mental state followed a period of transition for the royal family. The MasterClass session where these details were shared was filmed in California over the summer.
The Duke of Sussex has previously spoken about his mental health, as has the Prince of Wales. Both brothers have been involved in mental health charities in the past. This latest disclosure provides further insight into the personal challenges faced by the Duke during his time abroad.
The MasterClass platform, where these reflections were shared, offers membership for between £120 and £228, according to The Independent. This session provides a platform for the Duke to discuss these deeply personal matters with a wider audience as part of his ongoing dialogue regarding mental health.
The Duke reflected on the long-term impact of the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. He reported feeling emotionally numb for a long time following her passing. According to The Independent, Prince Harry was 12 years old when his mother died.
Prince Harry described the complex emotions associated with mourning a parent. He told BBC News that he did not cry for nearly two decades after her death. This period of emotional numbness was linked to feelings of guilt regarding his own well-being.
The Duke explained his internal struggle regarding his mother's absence. He said, "I'd spent so long emotionally numb, to a large extent, because I felt disloyal and guilty for the possibility of being happy and joyful without her."]}, {
He also mentioned that he went to war twice during his 20s in an attempt to outrun his feelings. The Duke served in the Army in Afghanistan during his military service. These experiences are part of a broader history of navigating personal and professional pressure.
During his reflections, the Duke mentioned specific advice he received regarding his emotional state. A therapist reportedly suggested that he spray his mother's perfume to help him unlock his emotions. This method was intended to assist in processing the grief he had carried for many years.
The Duke of Sussex has indicated that his charitable work serves a specific purpose in his life. He stated that his work is a way of carrying the legacy of his mother forward. This connection between his public duties and his personal history remains a central theme in his life.
The Duke's transition from the UK to Canada was marked by a physical and mental shift. He described the sudden change in his environment as a catalyst for his mental health struggles. He noted that his body had been accustomed to high levels of stress for a long period.
He told BBC News, "Being in Canada, away from the stressful environment where presumably my body was just pumped full of adrenaline, within two or three days, I experienced this adrenaline crash, something that I'd never experienced before."]}, {
The Duke and his wife, Meghan, have recently returned to the United Kingdom. This follows a period of six years spent living in the United States. According to BBC News, the couple is thought to be residing in the Cotswolds at present.
The family includes their two children, Prince Archie, who is 7, and Princess Lilibet, who is 5. The couple's move back to the UK follows their decision to leave the working monarchy in early 2020. They had previously lived in Canada before settling in the US.
The Duke has noted his personal limits regarding time away from his family. According to BBC News, he stated that ten days is the maximum amount of time he would be away from them. This highlights the importance of family stability in his current life in the UK.
The Duke and Meghan's return to the UK comes after their time in America. They had previously moved to Canada in 2019 before relocating to the US. This history of movement marks a significant period of change for the Duke and his family.
The Duke of Sussex's reflections were shared via a filmed session for the video learning platform MasterClass. This platform allows users to access various educational sessions. The Duke used this opportunity to discuss his experiences with mental health and the process of grief.
The timing of the release is notable in the context of global awareness. The MasterClass interview was made available just before World Mental Health Day on 10 October. This provides a platform for the Duke to share his story alongside wider discussions on the topic.
The Duke's history of military service and his subsequent move to Canada are central to his narrative. His experiences in the Army and his transition to a different lifestyle have shaped his perspective on mental health. These reflections offer a detailed look at his personal journey.
The Duke continues to engage with mental health through his charitable efforts. His work is intended to carry forward the legacy of his mother. These efforts remain a key part of his public life as he navigates his personal and professional responsibilities.
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