Prince Harry Reflects on Emotional Impact of Princess Diana’s Death
Prince Harry has candidly shared his fears and struggles, opening up about the emotional toll his mother’s tragic death and the relentless media scrutiny have had on him throughout his life. During a heartfelt conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, the Duke of Sussex revealed the deep-seated feelings of helplessness that have plagued him since childhood.
Reflecting on the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old, Harry recalled the emotional impact her death had on him. “What happened to my mum and the fact that I was a kid and felt helpless, there comes the inner turmoil,” he explained.
“I felt helpless. One of my biggest weaknesses is feeling helpless.” He also expressed concern that similar tragic events could befall him, his wife Meghan, or their children, which continues to be a source of anxiety. “What worried me most was worrying that would happen to me, or to my wife, or to my kids,” Harry shared.
The Duke also spoke about the emotional toll of being the target of false media stories, a challenge he’s faced since a young age. “I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid,” Harry explained. “I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality. I’ve seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people.”
Harry admitted that these experiences often made him feel trapped. “When you’re kind of trapped within this bubble it kind of feels like there’s no way out,” he said, reflecting on the psychological burden he has carried over the years.
Amid these struggles, Harry shared how he’s learned to cope with media coverage, recommending that others “read nothing” about themselves. “There would be moments in my life when I read a lot and moments when I read nothing. I highly recommend the latter,” he advised.
As he focuses on his family, the Duke’s primary goal remains clear: “The main goal for me at the moment is being the best husband and the best dad that I can be.” Harry’s heartfelt admission offers insight into his inner struggles and his ongoing commitment to prioritizing his family’s well-being.