Politics
Holly Willoughby defends Meghan Markle as she tells critic ‘rich people can still suffer with their mental health’
HOLLY Willoughby has defended Meghan Markle as she hit back at a critic on This Morning today, saying that “rich people can still suffer with their mental health”.
The 40-year-old star was nothing but sympathetic towards the Duchess of Sussex on the show following her and Prince Harry’s bombshell Oprah interview, which aired in the US last night.
In the chat, Meghan, 39, broke down in tears as she recalled telling her husband that she “didn’t want to be alive anymore” and had suicidal thoughts – but was refused help from the Firm.
The interview was the focus of today’s This Morning, with Holly and her co-host Phillip Schofield discussing it with a selection of guests.
Julia Hartley-Brewer moaned during her appearance: “I do think multi-millionaires sitting with a billionaire in their multi-million pound mansion complaining about how terrible their life is is tone deaf.
“In this day and age when so many people are struggling!”
Meghan opened up about feeling ‘suicidal’ in the bombshell Oprah interview[/caption]
Holly interjected: “Mental health doesn’t discriminate on how wealthy you are.
“Haven’t we got past that thought process by now?”
Julia backtracked: “I do have every sympathy for a mum-to-be feeling that way.”
Matthew Wright later praised Holly for her comments, adding: “I’m very glad that Holly’s pointed out that the wealthy can be affected by negative mental health.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Oprah chat has caused shockwaves[/caption]
“History books are filled with the rich and famous killing themselves – either deliberately through suicide, or by default through drugs and alcohol abuse.”
In emotional scenes from the bombshell interview, Meghan said she begged for help with her mental health, but it was her husband who “saved” her.
She said that she was told she would not be able to seek help because it “wouldn’t be good for the institution”.
One night, while suffering suicidal thoughts, Meghan claimed that she forced herself to go to an event with Harry, 36, – because she felt she couldn’t be left alone, for fear of what she might do.
Meghan admitted to weeping when the lights were down when she appeared at an event in 2019[/caption]
And she said while the lights were down during the Cirque du Soleil premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in January 2019, she was “weeping” while clutching Harry’s hand until his knuckles were white.
The Duchess of Sussex, who was six months pregnant at the time, said she would cry while the lights were down in the royal box before she would compose herself for the cameras and smile during the intervals.
Meghan revealed: “I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry because of how much loss he suffered.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
Most read in Celebrity
“But I knew that if I didn’t say it I would do it – because I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.
“I didn’t want to be alive anymore. That was a very clear and real and frightening, constant thought.
“And I remember, I remember how he just cradled me.”
She later said Harry “saved” her by ultimately quitting the Royal Family.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
