Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently sat down for their first joint interview since 2021, opening up about a new project that’s close to their hearts. The couple talked with CBS Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley to discuss their latest initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers social media poses to children.
During the interview, Meghan got very personal, sharing her struggles with suicidal thoughts—a topic she’s passionate about and feels is important to talk about.
Meghan and Harry’s new initiative, called The Parents’ Network, is part of their Archewell Foundation. It focuses on supporting parents whose children have tragically lost their lives because of online bullying. Meghan explained why she felt it was crucial to be open about her own mental health struggles, even though it was difficult.
“There’s a thread that connects all of us when we’ve been through pain or trauma,” Meghan said. “For me, being able to talk openly about it is a big part of healing. I haven’t shared everything about my experience, but I don’t want anyone else to feel like they’re alone or not believed.”
Meghan recalled a tough time when she was pregnant with Princess Lilibet and needed help. “I went to the institution and said I needed to go somewhere for help because I’d never felt that way before,” she remembered. “But I was told I couldn’t go, that it wouldn’t look good for the institution.”
In the CBS interview, Meghan emphasized how important it is to share her story, even if it makes her uncomfortable. “If my story can save someone, or make someone check in on their loved ones more often, then it’s worth it,” she said. “I’m willing to take the criticism if it means helping someone else.”
Their new initiative, The Parents’ Network, is just one part of their work. Meghan and Harry are focused on making social media safer for children and teens. For them, this program is an important step toward real change.
“You have to start somewhere,” Meghan said. “Imagine if it was your child, your son or daughter who comes home full of joy, and then one day everything changes because of something out of your control. As a parent, you have to try and find a solution.”
Since getting married in May 2018, Harry and Meghan have become parents to Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. They talked about how much they love their “amazing” kids and how being parents motivates their work.
“Our kids are young, 3 and 5,” Meghan said. “They’re amazing. All we want as parents is to protect them. Seeing what’s happening online, we know there’s a lot of work to do, and we’re happy to be part of making things better.”
Harry agreed, talking about how parenting in the digital age is tough. “We’re at a point where almost every parent needs to be like a first responder,” he said. “But even the best first responders might not see the signs of a potential suicide. That’s the scary part.”
Through their work with The Parents’ Network and other projects, Harry and Meghan continue to push for safer online spaces, drawing on their personal experiences and their dedication to protecting their children’s future.
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