Prince Harry's Latest Statements About Prince Charles's Parenting Could Create an Even Bigger Rift

05/22/2021

Since stepping down as a senior royal member, Prince Harry has repeatedly shared how he felt trapped within the institution. While royal fans got a glimpse of his perspective during his bombshell interview with Meghan Markle and Oprah, the Duke of Sussex has committed to having even more open and honest conversations in his new mental health docuseries The Me You Can’t See with Oprah Winfrey. In addition to sharing how the trauma of losing his mom at a young age shaped him, the Duke also revealed how Prince Charles’ cold parenting led to a disregard of Prince William and Prince Harry’s mental health.

“My father used to say to me, when I was younger, he used to say to both William and I, ‘Well, it was like that for me. So it’s going to be like that for you.’ That doesn’t make sense — just because you suffered it doesn’t mean that your kids have to suffer,” Harry admitted to Oprah Winfrey on their new Apple TV+ show.

“In fact, quite the opposite. If you suffered, do everything you can to make sure that whatever negative experiences that you had, that you can make it right for your kids,” the Duke of Sussex continued. “We chose to put our mental health first. That’s what we’re doing. And that’s what we will continue to do. Isn’t this all about breaking the cycle? Isn’t it all about making sure that history doesn’t repeat itself? That whatever pain and suffering has happened to you, that you don’t pass on.” It’s disappointing that Prince Charles, who also struggled growing up in a cold environment, would not take the steps to change for his children. And it highlights what led the Duke to make his decision with Meghan and Archie.

It’s incredible that Prince Harry has the insight to break the generational trauma that has existed in the royal family — and it’s clear he’s putting his family’s mental health first, every step of the way. Ultimately, we imagine Prince Harry’s words won’t go over well with his father — who is reportedly still angry with Prince Harry for that initial interview with Oprah.

Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Prince Harry and Prince William growing up together over the years.