Prince Harry has opened up about the royal routine that left him feeling panicked whenever he dressed for a royal engagement. The Duke of Sussex candidly discussed his experiences with stress, trauma, and profound grief in his new MasterClass, “Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss.”
Released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the session offered a personal look at the emotional toll of living under the pressures of royal life. The latest revelation comes as the Sussexes are living in the UK.
Prince Harry says getting dressed for official engagements could make him feel suffocated
Prince Harry has opened up about the intense anxiety he experienced while preparing for official royal engagements in his new MasterClass. The Duke of Sussex explained how the pressure of being a member of the royal family left him feeling overwhelmed, particularly because he knew his every move would be scrutinized.
Harry revealed that even the seemingly simple act of getting dressed for a public appearance could trigger his anxiety (via The Royal Observer). He said: “There was a time where public engagements just created absolute panic right from beginning to end. The panic was having to put my suit, jacket, and tie on and suddenly feel suffocated.”
He went on to explain that the mere thought of traveling from one place to another while being surrounded by cameras could trigger “panic.” Harry also revealed that he worried about sweating and how others would perceive him. He compared the experience to stepping into a boxing ring, highlighting the pressure he felt before facing the public.
The Duke of Sussex credited therapy with helping him manage his anxiety and panic attacks. He explained that his therapist introduced him to effective coping mechanisms, which also helped him navigate his grief more effectively.
Harry also opened up about experiencing depression after he and Meghan Markle moved to Canada in 2019 (via PEOPLE). Reflecting on that period, he candidly confessed: “It was as if I needed stress in order to get the adrenaline to make my brain function because I became useless around the house. I actually slipped into depression for about two weeks, and I felt like I couldn’t function without adrenaline.”
