Prince Harry prioritises his own family’s mental health

Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s decision to move away from their day-to-day roles in the Royal Family highlights the pressures faced by those in the public eye. It’s hard to feel empathy for the wealthy and privileged – but famous people are people too and experience a level of scrutiny and criticism that any of us would find hard to bear. 

Harry lost his mum aged 14 and has spoken movingly about how contact with the Press brings back traumatic memories and associations from that time. Megan is estranged from her father, and has to deal her own family trauma being played out in the tabloids like a soap opera. 

We can only assume that the way we would feel in these situations is the way they might feel. Sad? Angry? Powerless? Perhaps anxious or depressed? And money, once basic needs have been met, cannot always soothe these feelings. Prince Harry and his brother Prince William have tried to raise awareness about mental health issues through their Heads Together initiative, and for this they are to be commended. I remember that these wealthy young men are also those grieving teenagers from 1997. Having high profile men who understand first-hand the importance of emotional health has got to be good for the next generation of young men, and for society.