Lorraine Kelly reveals her dismay that ‘nobody helped’ Meghan Markle during mental health struggles

She claimed it’s ‘crazy’ to imagine the Royal Family not helping

Lorraine Kelly ( Presenting The Women of the Year Community Spirit Award ) attends the Women of the Year Awards on October 12, 2020 in London, England
(Image credit: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Women of the Year Awards)

ITV’s Lorraine Kelly has expressed her dismay that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was not helped more during her mental health struggles.

Lorraine has spoken with royal biographer Andrew Morton about Meghan Markle’s recent poignant admission that she experienced struggles with her mental health in the first few years after marrying Prince Harry. This intensely difficult time was something the Duchess of Sussex has recently opened up about during her and Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

During the conversation, Meghan spoke of a particular photo that reminds her of this challenging period. She also claimed that despite reaching out and asking for help, this not provided by the Royal Family. Since then more people than ever have been discussing the vitally important subject of mental health. 

Now ITV host Lorraine has discussed the matter of Meghan’s recent revelations with royal biographer Andrew, who professed himself “baffled” by this “sad admission”, given what he has learnt about the royals when writing his new book. 

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Which other royals have sought support?

Andrew Morton’s new biography, Elizabeth & Margaret, delves into the lives of the Queen and her younger sister and even suggests that Princess Margaret sought support regarding her mental health. 

Lorraine said: “One of the very interesting things you cover in the book is that [Margaret] had mental health issues and that she wanted help”, before suggesting this was perhaps not something she received. 

“People didn't talk about mental illness, but having said that, Princess Margaret did go for psychological counselling,” Andrew explained.

“Even the Queen herself during her annus horribilis had somebody in to help her with breathing and relaxing. So in a funny kind of way, the royal family have had a history of going for help from professional bodies for psychological issues they have faced.”

Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, UK, 8th July 1946

(Image credit: Photo by Lisa Sheridan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Following this, Lorraine expressed how for her it was “very strange” and “difficult to imagine” the Royal Family supposedly not helping Meghan when she needed support.

“I had no idea, that’s extraordinary,” Lorraine responded. “I’d never thought of the Queen doing that, which makes it seem all the more crazy or difficult to imagine they wouldn’t have helped Meghan.”

“When Meghan made that cry for help and she said nobody listened to her, it was one of the saddest things about that interview, wasn’t it?”

Andrew echoed this sentiment: “That was a very sad admission but it left far more questions than answers, especially as Harry is a patron of a mental health organization". 

He also spoke of how Julia Samuel, who was a close friend of Princess Diana and is a well-known psychotherapist is likely "on speed dial". 

“It left me baffled, that assertion,” he explained. 

Having previously written a biography on Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, Andrew also expressed his belief that she would be “disappointed” in the so-called rift between him and Prince William.

However, it’s thought that the brothers will reunite later this year for the unveiling of a memorial statue of their mother.

“Hopefully the spirit of Diana can help with some sort of reconciliation,” he stated.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!