Harry’s trauma
Before Lili’s birth, Prince Harry had a busy couple of months with the release of a 90-minute episode of the podcast Armchair Expert with US actor Dax Shepard and his sidekick Monica Padman, and an Apple TV series with Oprah. Both dealt with the topic of mental health and specifically how Harry has successfully turned to therapy to unravel the childhood trauma he suffered following the death of his mother.
The Prince’s revelations about his emotional journey within the royal institution would have been uncomfortable for his family and the royal household to hear, and while there has been no official comment from the palaces or Clarence House, Harry has dominated media headlines in much the same way Diana did with that 1995 interview.
I think Harry has shown courage in both these programs. His intent to lift the stigma around talking about mental health is genuinely felt, and that belief in the power of talking reminds me of his mother. Listening to Harry pour out his heart, there is no question that he struggled inside the gilded cage of royal life, and while the UK media has been less than supportive of Harry’s implied criticisms of his family and the machine of monarchy, it’s worth noting that he clearly states he doesn’t want to point the finger and there’s no blame.
However, Harry’s declaration that he moved his family to the US to “break the cycle” of “genetic pain and suffering” has caused a media storm, with many suggesting he is not only taking aim at his father but at his grandparents. In an interview in the UK newspaper The Telegraph, the Countess of Wessex deflected questions about Harry’s interviews, but did say, “We are still a family no matter what” – which at the end of the day will, I’m sure, be the ultimate healing factor here.
In the meantime, the royal family is very much back at work in the UK, with the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge having completed a highly successful tour of Scotland. The perfectly choreographed 21 engagements across six days included the couple hosting a drive-in movie at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a fish and chip supper at their go-to restaurant from university days, and a wonderful meeting between Catherine and cancer survivor Mila Sneddon. Mila’s photo was one of those submitted for the Duchess’ Hold Still project of lockdown portraits. The five-yearold was battling leukaemia and Catherine promised that when they met in person, she would wear a pink princess dress. At Holyrood Palace that encounter was realised, leaving Mila twirling with joy.
In a poignant speech Prince William said, “Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died … And yet alongside this painful memory is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland … that I first met Catherine.”
It seems that for both brothers, Diana will always be present in everything they do.
“Harry’s intent to lift the stigma around mental health is genuinely felt.”