Full Breakdown
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Address Social Media Harms in Australia
4/16/2026, 11:12:44 PM
Duchess of Sussex's Experience with Online Bullying
During a recent visit to Australia, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed that she has been the "most trolled person in the entire world" for the past decade. Speaking at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, she described her experience of being "bullied and attacked" daily on social media. Meghan emphasized that tech companies are "not incentivised to stop" the misuse of their platforms, which has contributed to her prolonged suffering. She expressed her personal connection to the issue, stating, "I can speak to that really personally, which is why I like to listen, because it rings true for me in a very real way."
Support for Australia's Social Media Ban
On the same day, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, praised Australia's recent ban on social media usage for individuals under 16 years old, calling it "epic" from a "responsibility and leadership standpoint." He noted that Australia was the first country to implement such a ban, which has since inspired other nations to consider similar measures. However, Harry also cautioned that the existence of a ban indicates a failure of tech companies to create safe environments for young users. He stated, "It should have never, ever got to a ban," and stressed the need for accountability from social media companies.
Broader Implications of Their Advocacy
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have long advocated for mental health awareness and the dangers of social media. During their discussions with young people involved in the mental health organization Batyr, Harry shared his own struggles with feelings of being "lost, betrayed, or completely powerless." He highlighted the importance of therapy and the need for open conversations about mental health, particularly in the context of social media's impact on loneliness.
Local Engagement and Cultural Experiences
In addition to their advocacy work, the couple participated in an Aboriginal walking tour known as the Scar Tree Walk, which connects traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultures. This experience allowed them to engage with local Indigenous guides and learn about the cultural significance of the Yarra River. Local residents expressed admiration for the couple, with one visitor noting, "They are the most gorgeous couple," while another acknowledged the necessity for the couple to earn a living as private citizens.
Criticism and Public Perception
Despite their efforts to raise awareness, the couple faced criticism regarding their financial activities during the trip. Some observers questioned the appropriateness of their paid engagements as non-working royals. However, local supporters defended their right to pursue income, stating, "They've got to make a living as well."
Verbatim Quotes
- “For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. And I was the most trolled person in the entire world.” — Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
- “Australia took the lead. Your government was the first country in the world to bring about a ban. Now we can sit here and debate the pros and cons of a ban – I'm not here to judge that. All I will say is from a responsibility and leadership standpoint – epic.” — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
- “Harry said: "It should have never, ever got to a ban.” — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
- “Because the companies themselves have to be accountable, and there’s no way that young people should be punished by being banned from something that should be safe to use, no matter what.” — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
This visit underscores the couple's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by social media, particularly for young users, while also engaging with local cultures and communities.
