Duchess Meghan referred to herself as the “most trolled person in the world” during her Australian tour with Prince Harry. This statement came on the third day of their visit.
The couple visited Bateel, a mental health organization for youth, at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, where they engaged with students about ongoing issues like cyberbullying.
“I’ve been bullied and attacked every day for the last decade,” the 44-year-old former actress shared at the event. She emphasized her experience by stating, “I was the most trolled person in the entire world.”
Markle mentioned that the abuse she has faced on social media is deeply personal to her. She pointed out the “atrocities” on these platforms and encouraged the students to develop resilience against cyberbullying.
“This billion-dollar industry is geared toward negativity to gain clicks, and frankly, I don’t see that changing,” she said.
Prince Harry also highlighted the loneliness that social media can bring, mentioning that therapy can help address such feelings. He recounted a personal moment of despair, saying, “I literally got into the fetal position… and thought, ‘Maybe I should try therapy.'” He expressed his struggles with his mental state since moving to Montecito, California, in 2020, acknowledging that life in the city felt overwhelming at times.
Later that day, they participated in the InterEdge Summit at Melbourne Park, where Prince Harry spoke about mental health in the workplace. Reflecting on his grief over losing his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12, he shared how being constantly under scrutiny while growing up had its own set of challenges. He admitted feeling “lost, betrayed, and completely powerless” during various phases of his life.
After his heartfelt address, Harry reportedly had a conversation with Brendan Nelson, an Australian businessman, and reflected on how he struggled with his royal responsibilities after his mother’s death. He confessed, “I hate this job. I hate this role. I hate where this goes.” He initially resisted his royal duties, believing they could lead to more trauma but later recognized his mother’s wish for him to leverage his platform for positive change.
Markle and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia commenced with a series of engagements that included a children’s hospital and a women’s homeless shelter, along with a stop at a veterans museum. Markle even filmed a guest spot on MasterChef Australia during their stay.
Experts suggest that the Sussexes might be able to make upwards of $10 million from speaking engagements, tours, and branding opportunities throughout their visit.
