Prince Harry has been praised by mental health experts for speaking openly about enduring years of “total chaos” following the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in Paris when he was 12.
In a podcast interview with the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, the 32-year-old prince said he has come “very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions” and has turned to a ‘shrink’ to discuss his problems “more than a couple of times,” describing the therapy process as "great."
Harry's interview, which marked the first time a member of Britain's Royal Family has spoken so candidly about mental health, has been praised by campaigners and charities.
Daily Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon, who spoke to Prince Harry and has written extensively about coping with her own mental health problems, including bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder, described the interview as a "watershed moment" for mental health.
Mental heath charity Mind described Prince Harry as "inspiring" for opening up about his mental health.
"It shows how far we have come in changing public attitudes to mental health that someone so high-profile can open up about something so difficult and personal," said Paul Farmer, the charity's chief executive.
Prince William has followed his brother’s lead and opened up about the importance of discussing mental health.
The Duke of Cambridge has called for an end to the ‘stiff upper lip’ culture, saying he wants Prince George and Princess Charlotte to be able to talk about their emotions.
William also highlighted the importance of role models opening up about their mental health and welcomed grime artist Stormzy speaking out about suffering from depression.
