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Meghan Markle reveals she was “the most trolled person in the world” while Prince Harry reflects on mental health and the impact of social media during a visit to Australia.
The conversation around mental health and the impact of social media has returned to the centre of public debate following recent statements by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their visit to youth organisation Batyr at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. In a direct exchange with young people, both shared personal experiences that highlight the real consequences of online abuse and media pressure.
During the discussion, Meghan Markle addressed her own experience with cyberbullying in a direct and unfiltered way. “Every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked,” she said, before adding a line that captures the scale of her exposure: “I was the most trolled person in the entire world. And yet, I’m still here.” Her words not only reflect a deeply personal experience, but also point to the structural dimension of an issue affecting millions globally.
The Duchess of Sussex went further in analysing how the digital ecosystem operates. “Platforms are not incentivised to stop it,” she explained, directly addressing the logic that underpins the industry. In that context, she shared a reflection that resonates strongly with younger generations: “I can speak to that really personally, which is why I like to listen, because it rings true for me in a very real way.” This empathetic approach shaped the tone of the conversation, moving away from a purely institutional message towards something more personal and relatable.
One of the most striking moments came when Markle described the model behind social media platforms. “When I think about everything you’re experiencing, I believe so much of it is understanding that this billion-dollar industry, completely built on cruelty to generate clicks, is not going to change. So you have to be stronger than that,” she stated. The comment introduces a key idea: the need to develop personal resilience in a system that, in her view, is not designed to protect users.
Prince Harry, for his part, offered an equally personal perspective, focusing on his own journey with mental health. The Duke acknowledged the profound impact that accumulated pressure can have on an individual. “Social media has led to so much loneliness for so many people,” he said, before sharing a particularly vulnerable moment: “I waited until I was literally in the fetal position, much older, lying on the kitchen floor, until I thought, maybe this therapy thing — maybe I should try it.” His testimony reinforces the importance of seeking help and normalising access to mental health support.
The discussion also touched on concrete measures related to social media use. Harry referenced Australia’s decision to restrict access to platforms for those under 16. “Australia took the lead. Your government was the first in the world to implement a ban. We can sit here and debate the pros and cons — I’m not here to judge that — but from a responsibility and leadership standpoint, it’s epic,” he said. However, he also added a note of caution, stating that “it should never have got to a ban,” highlighting the need for earlier and more effective regulation.
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