Prince Harry has opened up about his personal experiences with grief and the passing of his mother, Princess Diana, in a recent appearance on the MasterClass series titled ‘Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss.’ The segment, which was released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, features the Duke of Sussex alongside neuroscientist and grief expert Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor. During the discussion, he addressed his time serving in Afghanistan, his experiences with therapy, and his struggles with panic attacks.
Reflecting on his mother’s death in a 1997 car crash when he was twelve years old, Prince Harry shared that he remained emotionally numb for nearly two decades. He noted that he often felt a sense of guilt and disloyalty regarding the prospect of experiencing joy in her absence. “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 stated. He added that he continues to feel a deep connection to her, noting that he often wonders what she would think of his current actions.
The appearance has drawn attention not only for its subject matter but also for the reported compensation involved. According to media reports, the prince received USD 100,000 for his contribution to the series. This move has reportedly been met with disapproval from officials at the royal palace, with some sources suggesting that the prince is utilizing his personal history as a commercial opportunity.
Reports further indicate that while the prince was open to discussing grief and his mother, he established clear boundaries during the production. Specific topics, including his relationships with other members of the royal family, remained off-limits. On a personal note, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, recently relocated from their residence in Montecito, California, to the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on August 26.
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