Prince Harry has always projected an image of strength, but behind the scenes he has faced personal battles that have surprised many. Could his struggles with mental health, such as agoraphobia and panic attacks, be influencing rumors about leaving the U.S.?
In recent years, the Duke of Sussex has been open about these challenges, sharing details in his memoir Spare and on The Me You Can’t See with Oprah. His story of overcoming anxiety disorders while fulfilling a public role is inspiring and shows us his more human side. Here we tell you, in a relaxed and relatable tone, how Harry has faced these difficulties and found a new purpose.
Prince Harry in rare intimate photos away from monarchy
Despite his public role, these conditions have tested him, and his journey to manage them shows a man determined to grow, heal, and make a difference.
- Agoraphobia: A hidden struggle
In Spare, Harry revealed he’s dealt with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that WebMD describes as a fear of leaving home or facing large crowds. “I was an agoraphobe. Which was nearly impossible given my public role,” he wrote. This condition made public appearances, like speeches, incredibly tough.
He shared a particularly tough moment when his brother, Prince William, laughed at his distress after a difficult speech. Harry recalled a car ride to a polo match in Gloucestershire with William and Kate, where a panic attack left him sweating and red-faced, only for William to chuckle from the driver’s seat. That lack of empathy stung, especially since William had witnessed Harry’s first panic attack.
- Panic attacks and anxiety
Harry’s challenges didn’t stop at agoraphobia. In the 2021 series The Me You Can’t See, he opened up about severe panic attacks and anxiety, particularly between ages 28 and 32. “Every time I put a suit and tie on… I was pouring with sweat, my heart rate was… I was in fight or flight mode,” he said.
The loss of his mother, Princess Diana, fueled these struggles, but meeting Meghan Markle was a turning point. Fearing he’d lose her if he didn’t address his mental health, Harry sought help from doctors, therapists, and even alternative healers. “I knew that if I didn’t do therapy and fix myself, I was going to lose this woman who I could see spending the rest of my life with,” he shared.
By 2025, Harry’s perspective had shifted. Fatherhood to Archie and Lilibet has given him new purpose. “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life,” he said, emphasizing his drive to make the world better. His journey from anxiety to advocacy is inspiring, showing that even a prince can face struggles and come out stronger.