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William and Harry open up about Diana amid backlash

It’s been over two decades since Princes Harry and William lost their mum Diana, but they’ve hardly discussed it between themselves.

That’s what the royals revealed in a thought-provoking new video where they sit down with Wills’ wife Kate, and discuss their mental health.

“Harry and I over the years, have not talked enough about our mother,” Wills says.

Harry and William have hardly spoken abut their mum
Harry and William have hardly spoken abut their mum

“I always thought to myself, what’s the point of bringing up the past, what’s the point of bringing up something that’s only going to make you sad?” Harry replies.

“It ain’t gonna change it, it ain’t gonna to bring her back, and when you start thinking like that it can be really damaging.

“You always said to me you have got to sit down and think about those memories,” he says referring to his brother, “but for me it was like I don’t want to think about it.”

Weighing in, Kate adds that it’s to Diana’s credit that the men have pulled through as well as they have.

Kate also opened up.
Kate also opened up.

“Considering what you boys sadly went through, the trauma that you experienced... I think it's incredible how strong [you are] and how you've been able to cope really,” she says.

“I put that down to your really early years, your childhood experience.”

The trio have been opening up about mental health over the past week, with Harry also revealing that he underwent counselling to deal with his mum’s death, and Kate opening up about her struggles as a new mum.

While the majority of the response to this has been positive, some have voiced a backlash against the royal family, accusing them of “feeling sorry for themselves”.

Vikki Ryall, the national head of clinical practice at Headspace tells Be that this kind of criticism only re-enforces the stigma that has surrounded mental health for decades.

“While these people might have privileged lives, it actually doesn’t mean that they don’t struggle,” she says.

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“Yes, of course financial privilege and having jobs are protective factors, but they also lost their mother when they were children, not to mention the pressure that they face.

“Reminding people that mental health difficulties - whilst they are overrepresented in some populations like LGBTI, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - they actually don’t discriminate.

The boys were 15 and 12 when Diana died
The boys were 15 and 12 when Diana died

“It’s important to remember that anyone can experience mental health difficulties and responding with criticism is unlikely to be helpful.”

Ms Ryall explains that having conversations in the public domain is important because it helps normalise mental health difficulties and validates the struggles of people who have similar experiences, whether that be losing a parent, dealing with high pressure, or struggling as a new parent.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

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