By Rishika Sogani
We often equate wealth with happiness, believing that the more money we have, the happier we’ll be. But reality paints a different picture. Many people who hold prestigious titles from celebrities and billionaires to global icons may appear to live perfect lives, yet behind their radiant smiles often lie unseen struggles. As the saying goes, a happy face might not always be a happy heart.
One such story is that of Prince Harry, a name recognized across the UK and the world. After losing his mother, Princess Diana, in a tragic car crash in 1997, Harry has spoken openly about his lifelong battle with mental health. His wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, also revealed in her candid interview with Oprah Winfrey that the pressures of royal life once pushed her to the brink of suicidal thoughts.
In a heartfelt blog post for BetterUp, Harry wrote, “I firmly believe that focusing on and prioritizing our mental fitness unlocks potential and opportunity that we never knew we had inside of us.”
He shared that he personally worked with one of the company’s coaches and extended the same opportunity to employees of Archewell – the umbrella organization for the couple’s charitable and media ventures.
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals to pursue a more independent path. A year later, in 2021, Harry became the Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a San Francisco- based startup offering online professional development coaching and mental health counseling.
“As BetterUp’s first Chief Impact Officer, my goal is to lift up critical dialogues around mental health, build compassionate communities, and help people develop their inner strength and resilience,” Harry wrote.
Today, Prince Harry continues to advocate for youth mental health, warning of an “epidemic” of anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people – fueled by toxic online experiences.
Through the Archewell Foundation launched in 2020, the couple has made mental wellness a cornerstone of their mission with a thought, “Each one of us can change our communities. All of us can change the world”.
By choosing purpose over privilege, Prince Harry has shown the world that true happiness lies not in crowns or titles but in compassion, connection, and the courage to heal.