Meghan Markle has revealed the emotional toll of living under constant online scrutiny, stating that she was “the most trolled person in the entire world” for a decade.
Speaking during a public engagement in Melbourne alongside her husband, Prince Harry, the Duchess opened up about the harsh realities of social media and its impact on her life.
According to Meghan, she faced relentless bullying online for years, describing it as a daily experience that highlighted the darker side of digital platforms.
She also criticised tech companies, suggesting they lack real motivation to curb harmful behaviour on their platforms.
During their visit to Swinburne University of Technology, where they met with representatives of a mental health programme, Meghan addressed young people directly, urging them to build resilience in the face of online negativity.
“When I think of all of you and what you’re experiencing… that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks — that’s not going to change. So you have to be stronger than that,” she said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently in Australia on a four-day tour as non-working royals, using their platform to advocate for safer digital spaces.
Prince Harry also weighed in on the issue, praising Australia’s move to introduce a social media ban for under-16s, describing it as “epic” from a leadership and responsibility standpoint.
On the same day, Prince Harry delivered a keynote speech at a workplace culture summit, further emphasizing the couple’s ongoing focus on mental health and digital wellbeing.
Meghan’s candid revelation has since sparked widespread conversation, with many reflecting on the pressures of public life and the growing need to address online toxicity.
