Meghan Markle and Prince Harry just gave their first joint interview since 2021, speaking in support of their current venture. The Duchess of Sussex spoke openly about her decision to disclose her personal struggle with suicide ideation, a topic that remains very personal and important to her advocacy efforts.
On Sunday, Meghan and Harry sat down with CBS Sunday Morning host Jane Pauley to discuss their new effort aimed at raising awareness about the hazards that social media brings to youngsters.
During the discussion, the pair emphasised their work with parents whose children have tragically died as a result of the harmful effects of online bullying. Meghan reflected about her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she first publicly acknowledged her mental health difficulties, and emphasised the necessity of being open about such situations.
“There is a through-line, I think, when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma,” Meghan told me. “I believe that being able to be completely honest about it is an important part of our recovery journey, and it certainly is mine. And I haven’t even scratched the surface of my experience, but I do believe that I would never want anyone else to feel that way, make those kinds of plans, or be disbelieved.”
During her interview with Oprah, Meghan, who was pregnant with Princess Lilibet at the time, described a particularly distressing incident in which she sought assistance from the institution. “I went to the facility and explained that I needed to go somewhere to seek help. “I said, ‘I’ve never felt like this before, and I need to go somewhere,’” she recounted. “And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
In the CBS interview, Meghan emphasised the significance of sharing her experience, regardless of the difficulty it may cause. “So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really just annually check in on them, and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything’s OK, then that’s worth it,” she went on to explain. “I’ll take a hit for that.” The couple’s new effort, The Parents’ Network, is part of their Archewell Foundation and aims to raise awareness about the dangers that social media poses to children and teens. For Harry and Meghan, this pilot program is an important step towards substantial change.
“I think you have to start somewhere,” Meghan replied. “I believe that everybody witnessing this or who has the ability to make a difference should look at it through the lens of what if it were my daughter or son. My son or daughter who return home, who are happy, who I adore, then one day, just under my roof, our entire lives change due to something absolutely beyond our control. Look at it from the perspective of a parent; there is no other way to approach it except to attempt to find a solution.”
Since their marriage in May 2018, Harry and Meghan have two children: Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. During the discussion, they discussed their “amazing” children and how their duties as parents affect their profession. “Our kids are young; they’re three and five,” Meghan explained. “They are fantastic. But all you want to do as a parent is protect them. As we observe what’s going on in the online realm, we realise there’s a lot of work to be done, and we’re just glad to be a part of a positive change.”
Harry and Meghan continue to fight for safer online settings through The Parents’ Network and other initiatives, reflecting on their personal experiences and dedication to their children’s future.
