Comprehensive Deep-Dive: Prince Harry Opens Up in Candid Interview About “Megxit” Depression, Childhood Grief, and His Strict “10-Day Rule” with Meghan and Children

Prince Harry has described the mental health problems he suffered after Megxit and the grief of losing his mother

Meghan Markle made her first public appearance in the UK for four years, meeting Malala Yousafzai for afternoon tea at Claridge’s yesterday

Meghan and Malala enjoyed smiled as they said farewell following their tea yesterday

In a deeply personal and wide-ranging interview, Prince Harry has offered fresh insights into his mental health struggles following the 2020 royal exit, his lifelong journey processing the loss of his mother, and the boundaries he maintains to protect his family life.

1. The “Megxit” Depression and Adrenaline Crash

Meghan smiles as she and Malala walk outside the restaurant after their catch-up

Meghan puts her hand on Malala’s back as they speak after exiting the restaurant

The pair first joined forces in 2020 for a virtual discussion to mark International Day of the Girl

The Duke of Sussex spoke to neuroscientist Dr Mary-Frances O’Connor ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday

Harry posed for a trailer promoting the new interview where he discusses his history of grief and mental health

Harry said a therapist encouraged him to spray himself with Diana’s perfume, which he said brought memories and emotions flooding back

Reflecting on the turbulent period surrounding their step back as senior working royals—often referred to as “Megxit”—the Duke of Sussex shared candid details about the psychological toll of the transition.

• Experiencing an Adrenaline Crash: Harry revealed that after moving away from the UK and temporarily settling in Canada in late 2019 and early 2020, the sudden drop in high-stress royal pressures triggered an emotional toll.

• Navigating Vulnerability: He opened up about slipping into a period of depression during that intense transitional phase, noting how the abrupt shift from a lifetime of hyper-scrutinized public duties left him grappling with a significant mental health hurdle.

2. Grief, Healing, and Changing Perspectives on Princess Diana

The Duke also reflected on how his childhood trauma and the untimely death of Princess Diana in 1997 shaped his emotional resilience for decades.

• Overcoming Emotional Numbness: Harry discussed how he remained largely emotionally shut down for nearly two decades following his mother’s passing, initially believing that suppressing his grief equated to strength.

• A Major Mental Shift: He explained that he eventually realized his mother would have wanted him to find happiness rather than remain bound to perpetual sorrow, describing this realization as a liberating turning point that fundamentally changed his outlook on life.

3. The Strict “10-Day Rule” for Family Balance

Balancing an active schedule of international philanthropic work, public engagements, and family life in California, Harry revealed a hard rule he and Meghan enforce.

• Protecting Quality Time: The Duke shared that he strictly limits time away from his wife and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to no more than 10 days at a time.

• Prioritizing Fatherhood: Emphasizing that his children are a primary source of his energy and joy, Harry noted that this boundary is essential for maintaining a healthy equilibrium between his sense of public purpose and his responsibilities as a husband and father.