In a candid conversation on the “Armchair Expert” podcast with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Prince Harry offered a revealing glimpse into his life as a royal, his mental health journey, and his newfound freedom in California. The interview, which aired on May 13, 2021, quickly made headlines around the world, sparking a range of reactions from praise to outrage.
“A Cross Between ‘The Truman Show’ and a Zoo”
Harry’s most striking comparison was likening his royal upbringing to a bizarre fusion of “The Truman Show” and life in a zoo. He expressed feeling trapped and constantly under scrutiny, a sentiment that resonated with many who have followed his life in the public eye.
“In my early 20s, it was a case of ‘I don’t want this job, I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to be doing this,'” Harry confessed. The weight of his royal duties, coupled with the tragic experience of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age, fuelled his desire for a different path. He questioned how he could ever settle down and have a family knowing that history might repeat itself.
Breaking the Cycle of Pain
Harry’s strained relationship with his father, Prince Charles, also came into focus during the podcast. He spoke openly about the generational trauma he believes exists within his family, expressing a determination to break the cycle.
“If I’ve experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, I’m going to make sure that I break that cycle,” Harry shared, emphasizing his commitment to creating a healthier environment for himself and his own family.
Embracing Therapy and Finding His Voice
Central to Harry’s journey of healing and self-discovery has been his commitment to therapy. He described the experience as a turning point, a moment when he was finally able to confront his struggles head-on.
“It was like the bubble was burst,” Harry revealed. “I plugged my head out of the sand, gave a good shake off, and I was like, okay, you’re in this position of privilege, stop complaining or stop thinking as though you want something different. How are you going to do this differently? How are you going to make your mom proud? How are you going to use this platform to really affect change?”
This newfound clarity has fueled Harry’s passion for mental health advocacy. Alongside Oprah Winfrey, he is set to launch a docuseries titled “The Me You Can’t See,” aiming to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations.
Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Present
Harry didn’t shy away from addressing past controversies, including the infamous trip to Las Vegas in 2012 where photos of him partying surfaced. He reflected on seeking validation through others’ behavior, a common experience during his younger years. He also recounted a more recent memory, sharing how he and Meghan Markle, before their marriage, donned disguises to enjoy a low-key date at a London grocery store.
Now, settled in California with Meghan and their son, Archie, Harry expressed a sense of liberation and peace. “Living here now, I can actually lift my head,” he shared. “I feel different, my shoulders have dropped, so has hers, thank you, and I can walk around feeling a little bit more free. I get to take Archie on the back of my bicycle.”
Prince Harry’s interview on “Armchair Expert” was a raw and honest portrayal of a man grappling with his past and forging a new path for himself and his family. It was a powerful reminder that behind the titles and the spotlight, royals are human too, facing their own unique set of challenges and striving to create a better future.
