Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has spoken openly about the challenges of navigating life outside the British monarchy. Alongside Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, he relocated to California with the goal of building a more private and independent life.

In the years following their move, Prince Harry has engaged in charitable efforts, media production, and mental health advocacy—all while raising two young children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana. However, in various interviews and public appearances, both Harry and Meghan have acknowledged that the transition has not been without emotional and psychological tolls.

Meghan’s Public Remarks on Family and Mental Health

In a series of interviews, including the widely viewed 2021 Oprah Winfrey Special, and subsequent discussions on her podcast Archetypes, Meghan Markle has highlighted the emotional complexities of leaving the royal family. In particular, she has spoken about Prince Harry’s resilience, his dedication to mental health causes, and his continuing effort to find balance between duty and personal well-being.

Most recently, Meghan emphasized the importance of emotional healing and family well-being during a virtual address at a mental health summit supported by their Archewell Foundation. While not delving into specifics, she acknowledged that life in the public eye—especially when intertwined with generational trauma and family tensions—can have profound emotional consequences.

She noted that Prince Harry has experienced periods of emotional difficulty, particularly in managing the distance between his current life in the United States and his family in the United Kingdom.

Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Growth

Prince Harry’s experiences have frequently intersected with public narratives. From the passing of Princess Diana to the intense scrutiny he and Meghan faced as working royals, Harry has described his life as one shaped by both privilege and pain.

In his bestselling memoir Spare (2023), Harry candidly shared memories of childhood grief, military service, media pressures, and his decision to seek independence. He discussed his struggles with anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and the pressure of being born into an institution that often conflicts with individual identity.

During a conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician specializing in trauma and addiction, Harry elaborated on how therapy helped him recognize and process suppressed emotional pain. He explained that much of his work today, especially through Archewell, is inspired by a desire to promote mental well-being, veteran support, and community empowerment.

Meghan and Harry’s Life in California: A New Chapter

Now based in Montecito, California, the Sussexes are focused on raising their children in a more private and peaceful environment. Their organization, the Archewell Foundation, supports numerous causes, including early childhood development, gender equality, and mental health access.

Despite being removed from royal duties, Prince Harry remains involved in public service and has continued his patronage of initiatives such as the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 for wounded and recovering service members.

The couple has also partnered with BetterUp, a mental fitness company where Prince Harry serves as Chief Impact Officer. Through this role, he has advocated for open conversations about emotional resilience, workplace stress, and self-awareness.

Family Relations and Distance from the UK

In interviews, Prince Harry has consistently expressed his love for his family in the UK, including King Charles III and Prince William, despite acknowledging current strains in those relationships.

He has stated on multiple occasions that he hopes for reconciliation and peace, but that those outcomes require mutual effort and respectful dialogue. Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace have not responded publicly to Harry’s statements, maintaining their policy of addressing family matters privately.

The physical and emotional distance from the UK—especially from long-held traditions and his royal relatives—has understandably impacted Harry’s sense of identity. However, public remarks by Harry and Meghan have focused more on the importance of healing than on assigning blame.

Public Support and Broader Impact

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to receive support from fans, mental health professionals, and public figures who admire their advocacy for vulnerable communities and emotional well-being.

Campaigns such as #SupportPrinceHarry have trended on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), especially after major events like the release of Spare and Harry’s appearance at mental health summits. Both Harry and Meghan have been praised for destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, particularly within high-pressure environments.

Their willingness to speak about emotional challenges has contributed to a growing public dialogue about compassion, self-care, and the long-term effects of trauma, especially within institutions that demand constant composure and public performance.

Archewell Foundation: Ongoing Commitment to Service

Founded in 2020, the Archewell Foundation serves as the Sussexes’ principal charitable organization. Its mission includes driving systemic cultural change and creating compassionate communities through collaboration, education, and storytelling.

Projects include support for:

• Community relief and disaster recovery
• Accessible mental health care
• Racial and social equity
• Veterans’ initiatives

Prince Harry and Meghan’s approach emphasizes partnerships with grassroots organizations and investing in platforms that amplify marginalized voices.

Conclusion: Focused on Healing, Purpose, and Family

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced significant personal and public challenges since their departure from royal life, they remain focused on building a life rooted in meaning and intention. Meghan’s recent comments remind the public that behind the media headlines are individuals working hard to process trauma, raise children, and advocate for causes that matter deeply to them.

As global attention continues to follow their journey, the Sussexes’ story reflects a broader human truth: emotional healing is not linear, and true well-being requires both internal strength and external support.

For now, Prince Harry and Meghan are prioritizing peace, privacy, and purposeful action, choosing to invest in the communities and values they believe in—together, as a family.

Trusted Sources

• Royal.uk – The Royal Household
• BBC News
• People Magazine
• Archewell Foundation
• NHS Mental Health Resources
• Dr. Gabor Maté Interview (The Times)
• BetterUp – Prince Harry’s Role