Meghan Markle Opens Up About Online Abuse

Meghan Markle has spoken publicly about enduring a decade of online bullying during her visit to Australia, revealing she believes she was “the most trolled person in the entire world.” The Duchess of Sussex made the remarks while speaking to students at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne as part of a joint appearance with Prince Harry at the mental health organization Batyr.

During the April 16, 2026 event, Markle shared that she had been subjected to online abuse “every day for 10 years,” emphasizing the relentless nature of the criticism she has faced since entering the public eye. She described the experience as being targeted by a “billion-dollar industry… completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks,” urging young people to recognize the systemic nature of online hate while cultivating personal resilience.

Markle recounted a personal quote that helped her through the difficult period: “My wish for is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness, and to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.” She shared this message directly with the students, framing it as a source of strength in the face of adversity.

Prince Harry also addressed the audience, commenting on Australia’s recent decision to ban social media for children under 16, which took effect in December 2025. While refraining from judging the policy’s merits, he praised it from a “responsibility and leadership standpoint,” calling it “epic.” His remarks aligned with the couple’s broader advocacy for mental health awareness and safer digital environments for youth.

The visit to Batyr formed part of a four-day tour across Australia undertaken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. During their time at the Melbourne-based organization, which focuses on educating young people about mental health, Markle engaged directly with students and spoke openly about the psychological toll of sustained online harassment. She highlighted how online abuse can escalate into “inciting comments and conspiracy theories” that negatively affect both mental and physical safety.

Markle has previously spoken about the dangers of social media, describing it as a potential breeding ground for “hate and rhetoric.” Her latest comments build on that history of advocacy, using her personal experience to underscore the real-world impact of digital abuse and the importance of fostering resilience in young people navigating online spaces.

The Duchess’s remarks were made during a public forum centered on youth mental health and digital well-being, reinforcing her ongoing commitment to using her platform to address the societal impacts of online behavior. By sharing her own story of enduring prolonged cyberbullying, she aimed to validate the experiences of others facing similar challenges while promoting strategies for emotional endurance and self-affirmation.