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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Prince Harry Discusses Depression After Leaving Britain
Prince Harry has spoken candidly about his mental health journey, revealing that he experienced a period of depression after relocating from the United Kingdom to Canada in 2019. The comments were made during a recent MasterClass session, where Harry detailed the emotional aftermath of drastic life changes and the long-term effects of grief.
Adrenaline Crash and Emotional Impact
During the MasterClass episode, which centers on building resilience through loss, Prince Harry shared that upon arriving in Canada, he encountered what he described as an "adrenaline crash." Following the move with his wife Meghan and their young son Archie, he found himself struggling emotionally. "I actually slipped into depression for about two weeks. I felt like I couldn’t function without the adrenaline," Harry revealed, describing the difficulty of adjusting to a life away from the pressures of royalty in Britain.
Processing Grief after Princess Diana’s Death
The MasterClass session, designed to help people cope with grief, also explored the lingering effects of Princess Diana's death on Prince Harry. He spoke about feeling "emotionally numb" following his mother's passing when he was only 12 years old, grappling with feelings of disloyalty and guilt at the idea of experiencing happiness after her loss. Harry explained that after crying at Diana's funeral, he did not cry again for nearly 20 years. In therapy, he was encouraged to spray his mother’s perfume in an effort to "unlock everything" emotionally.
Insights from Experts and Personal Reflection
The MasterClass episode also featured neuroscientist and University of Arizona professor Mary-Frances O’Connor, who explained that the brain often registers the loss of a loved one as if they were still missing, rather than fully gone. O’Connor stated, "Your brain doesn’t register your loved one as gone. It registers them as lost. And it will keep searching until you teach it otherwise." The program highlighted the physiological as well as emotional aspects of grief and emphasized that prolonged stress can affect both the brain and the body.
The Lasting Effects of Trauma and Military Service
Harry described how his past military experiences also resurfaced as trauma years later, particularly after his second tour in Afghanistan in 2013. He recalled that seemingly simple tasks, such as putting on a dress shirt, would trigger intense anxiety and panic attacks, which prompted him to seek further help for trauma recovery. "I started to realize that I probably had become seriously depleted," he shared, explaining that these experiences revealed the need to address deeper psychological issues.
Moving Forward through Charitable Work and Family
Reflecting on personal growth, Harry said that he eventually realized his mother wanted him to find happiness, which gave him a "whole different outlook on life." He added that carrying forward Diana’s legacy through charitable work has offered a meaningful way to process loss and foster mental resilience. The MasterClass, filmed in California and released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, aims to benefit two bereavement charities: Comfort Zone Camp and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the latter of which Harry supports as a global ambassador.
MasterClass and Public Response
According to media reports, Prince Harry was paid US$100,000 for his participation in the MasterClass, which was created to help viewers understand the impacts of grief on the mind and body. The initiative highlights both his ongoing involvement in mental health advocacy and his willingness to discuss challenges faced by members of the royal family.
Source: nationalpost.com.
