The Duchess of Sussex has revealed she endured a decade of relentless online harassment, describing herself as the "most trolled person in the entire world" during a public appearance in Melbourne.
Speaking alongside Prince Harry at a mental health forum, Meghan detailed how she faced daily bullying for ten years, criticizing social media platforms for failing to address systemic abuse. "When I think of all of you and what you're experiencing," she told students at Swinburne University of Technology, "I think so much of that is having to realize that you know that industry, 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."
The couple's visit to Australia as private citizens included strong support for the country's controversial ban on social media for children under 16. Prince Harry praised the policy as "epic" from a leadership perspective but emphasized that platforms themselves must be held accountable.
"There's no way that young people should be punished by being banned from something that should be safe to use, no matter what," Harry stated, echoing his wife's criticism of tech companies that he said were "not incentivized to stop" platform misuse.
Later that day, Prince Harry delivered a keynote address at the InterEdge Summit, where he spoke candidly about grief and personal challenges, including the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. "In my experience, loss is disorienting at any age," he shared. "Grief does not disappear because we ignore it. Experiencing that as a kid while in a goldfish bowl under constant surveillance, yes, that will have its challenges. And without purpose, it can break you."
The Sussexes also participated in cultural activities during their four-day tour, joining an Aboriginal walking tour along Melbourne's Birrarung (Yarra River). Local Indigenous guides showed them how traditional owners historically used the river for fishing and hunting, with Tom Mosby of the Koorie Heritage Trust noting the experience helped reveal "what actually lies under the city."
Local residents who encountered the couple during the walk expressed enthusiasm for their visit. "They are the most gorgeous couple," said Brazilian visitor Sofia Rocha, while Melbourne resident Narelle Zagami added, "They've got to make a living as well. It's part of their life now."
This marks the couple's first visit to Australia since 2018, shortly after their royal wedding, though they now participate in events as private citizens rather than working royals.