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 s*i:cide ideation, a topic that remains very personal and important to her advocacy efforts.
On Sunday, Meghan and Harry spoke with CBS Sunday Morning presenter Jane Pauley about their new project to raise awareness about the hazards that social media brings to youngsters.
During the discussion, the pair underlined their work with parents whose children had tragically passed away as a result of the harmful effects of internet bullying.
Meghan reflected about her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she first publicly acknowledged her mental health difficulties, and emphasized the necessity of being open about such experiences.
“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 emphasized the necessity of sharing her experience, regardless of the difficulty it may create. “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 toward substantial change.
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 realize there’s a lot of work to be done, and we’re just glad to be a part of a positive change.”
Harry reiterated Meghan’s thoughts on the duties of parenting in the digital age. “At this time, practically every parent must be a first responder, and even the best first responders in the world would be unable to recognize the indicators of a potential s*i.cide. That is the most horrifying aspect of it,” he remarked.
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.
