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 Getty Images |    youtube.com/Entertainment Tonight
Getty Images | youtube.com/Entertainment Tonight

Meghan Markle's Request for Specialist's Help Was Rejected by Palace — 7 Royals Got Therapy

Oyin Balogun
May 13, 2022
02:30 P.M.

Meghan Markle reveals that she needed a therapist but was denied access to one in the royal house on all fronts. Many other royals have openly stated their struggles with mental health.

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Actress, Meghan Markle, an American member of the British Royal Family, has opened up about many things, including her mental health and her quest for help.

The Duchess of Sussex recently revealed that she has had suicidal thoughts and had to seek help from therapists. Markle claimed she was overburdened from the weight of the press criticizing her every move and how the royal institution stalled her every attempt to seek help.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits New Zealand House on March 19, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits New Zealand House on March 19, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

The Duchess said she wanted to end it all and not live through it. However, when she approached the department in charge that could assist, they said they could do nothing because the royals were not staff members.

Also, top officials in the royal family said they could not help since things like that could bring bad press to the royal institution.

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The royal, who was recently under intense scrutiny from the UK press, had to step down with her husband as senior royal household members and relocated to California.

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PRINCE HARRY FOLLOWS SUIT AFTER MEGHAN

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex announces a partnership between Booking.com, SkyScanner, CTrip, TripAdvisor and Visa called 'Travalyst' at A'dam Tower on September 03, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex announces a partnership between Booking.com, SkyScanner, CTrip, TripAdvisor and Visa called 'Travalyst' at A'dam Tower on September 03, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands | Source: Getty Images

After moving with her family to California, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have spoken freely about their journey in therapy. The Duke of Sussex is no stranger to treatment, as he started seeing a therapist after the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12.

Harry admitted he almost had a complete mental breakdown, especially when so many people misconceived him. He said:

"I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and all sorts of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle."

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Picture of Prince Harry  | Source: Getty Images

Picture of Prince Harry | Source: Getty Images

He remarked that he shut out all emotions for almost 20 years, and it took the propelling of his brother, Prince William, to see a therapist.

More than his brother's encouragement to go for therapy sessions, Markle's arrival into his life made it compelling to see a therapist. He knew that he would lose her if he did not fix himself.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attending an Invictus Games Friends and Family reception at Zuiderpark on April 15, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attending an Invictus Games Friends and Family reception at Zuiderpark on April 15, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. | Source: Getty Images

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According to him, the success story of Markle from her previous experiences with therapy inspired him. The family launched a charity, "Heads Together," that helps people struggling with mental health issues.

PRINCESS DIANA'S THERAPEUTIC SESSIONS

Diana Princess of Wales at a dinner given by President Mitterand in November, 1988 at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France during the Royal Tour of France. | Source: Getty Images

Diana Princess of Wales at a dinner given by President Mitterand in November, 1988 at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France during the Royal Tour of France. | Source: Getty Images

Late Princess Diana, the mother of Harry and William, was one of the first royals to speak about therapy and what mental health issues entailed. In an interview before her death, she stated that she sought treatment for depression, bulimia, and marital problems she faced.

The ex-wife of Prince Charles explained that she received lots of treatments to deal with these situations, but in fact, she just needed time and space to deal with them.

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Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales during their tour to Ottawa in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales during their tour to Ottawa in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

The Princess of Wales also noted that people who understand or have gone through mental health breakdown could relate better and help others who are dealing heal.

She listed some of the mental health breakdowns she experienced, such as refusing to get up from bed, being misunderstood by people, and having a shallow perception of herself.

PRINCE CHARLES AGREED TO GO INTO THERAPY TO SAVE THEIR MARRIAGE

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Ely Cathedral on November 27, 2018 in Ely, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Ely Cathedral on November 27, 2018 in Ely, England | Source: Getty Images

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Prince Charles was reportedly in therapy sessions (which were initially to help Diana, his wife) with Dr. Alan McGlashan for 14 years. The Prince revealed it was to help him cope as he was misunderstood and starved of natural affection.

Prince Charles was also going through therapy to help him cope with his wife's emotional battles. He underwent these sessions for 14 years of his marriage, while Diana allegedly attended only eight sessions.

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A close pal of the Prince, Laurens Van der Post, introduced him to McGlashen, hoping that it would help the royal couple weather their various emotional storms.

THERAPY WORKED FOR PRINCE WILLIAMS AFTER MENTAL SHOCK FROM WORK

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on day six of their week long visit to Scotland in Fife, Scotland on May 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on day six of their week long visit to Scotland in Fife, Scotland on May 26, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Prince William did not talk tongue in cheek when he said he also had emotional baggage to deal with; hence he sought help for his troubles. The Duke of Cambridge worked as an ambulance pilot, which affected his mental health. He said:

"I took a lot home without realising it. You see many sad things every day that you think life is like that. You're always dealing with despair and sadness and injury. The attrition builds up and you never really have the opportunity to offload anything if you're not careful."

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Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, gestures as he talks to the landlords and workers at The Rose and Crown pub in Snettisham in eastern England on July 3, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, gestures as he talks to the landlords and workers at The Rose and Crown pub in Snettisham in eastern England on July 3, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

During a "Heads Together" charity event, the Prince noted the importance of speaking up and voicing your emotions. He also affirmed the British's habit of being embarrassed by their feelings.

RED-HAIRED "FERGIE" BATTLES HER DEMONS

 Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson attends the "Engaging philanthropy to promote gender equality and women's empowerment" event at the United Nations on February 22, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson attends the "Engaging philanthropy to promote gender equality and women's empowerment" event at the United Nations on February 22, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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Everyone has different battles they are fighting, and the Duchess of York is not exempted from this as she bares open her over two decades of therapy sessions. The Duchess of York has been dealing with child abandonment issues and years of being criticized and poked at by the tabloids.

She reveals that she is currently still battling mental health issues and still sees her therapist. On good days she goes weekly, and sometimes when it gets tough, she has to go more frequently.

DEPRESSED, PRINCESS MARGARET SOUGHT HELP

Princess Margaret arriving at a State banquet at the Australian Embassy in London on 19th May 1966 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Margaret arriving at a State banquet at the Australian Embassy in London on 19th May 1966 | Source: Getty Images

Princess Margaret was reportedly said to have been depressed after her divorce from her husband, Lord Snowdon.

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She never publicly declared that she was going through any mental health issues, but it was alleged that she became dependent on cigarettes after quitting the bottle after a hepatitis surgery in 1984. Celebrity psychiatrist Mark Collin treated the royal.

JAMES MIDDLETON REVEALS MENTAL HEALTH STATUS

James Middleton arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

James Middleton arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

The brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, James Middleton, has also been honest and bold about his mental health struggles.

He underwent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and even made his family members come for sessions to understand better how his mind works. Middleton called depression "cancer of the mind."

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There has been great awareness about mental health and its issues lately, and the royals are evidence that this condition is not to be shielded from or fearful about. It seems a relief to know that many go through this condition and become better and healthier.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.

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