Prince Harry Reveals Grief's Toll in New MasterClass

Prince Harry has partnered with neuroscientist Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor for a new MasterClass titled 'Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss.' In this educational offering, the Duke of Sussex shares intimate details about his personal experiences with grief.

He explains that his grief over his mother, Princess Diana's, death at age 12 was profound, manifesting not as immediate tears but as delayed emotional responses and a prolonged period of not allowing himself to fall apart. This led him to seek solace in adrenaline-fueled activities, including two military deployments to Afghanistan, which he viewed as a powerful distraction.

Upon returning from his second tour in 2013, the effects of unprocessed trauma began to surface, triggering panic attacks during routine activities. This realization prompted a period of self-reflection, leading to his and Meghan Markle's relocation to Canada in late 2019 to step back from royal duties. During this time, Harry experienced an 'adrenaline crash' and a bout of depression.

Prince Harry also reflects on the immense pressure of shouldering public grief after his mother's death. He describes feeling like an intermediary for the public's emotions, noting the tears from those he met. He eventually found a path to resilience by focusing on his family and work that honors his mother's legacy, emphasizing that true strength lies in building back up after falling.