- Celebrities. Sean 'Diddy' Combs generates millions by renting out private jet amid legal troubles
- Movies. Angelina Jolie fears war with Brad Pitt could lead to cancer
Prince Harry's journey toward mental health awareness took a significant turn when he sought therapy from a professional with ties to MI6, the British intelligence agency.
This revelation comes from Tina Brown's book, The Palace Papers, which delves into the inner workings of the British royal family.
A push toward therapy
According to Brown, it was Harry's former girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, who first noticed signs of emotional distress in the prince.
She observed his "explosive temper" and was concerned about his well-being. Brown writes, "Cressida began to have serious concerns about his mental health. It's not well known that she was the one who first convinced him to go to therapy."
This encouragement led Harry to seek help from Julia Samuel, a therapist who had worked with MI6 personnel. Samuel, a close friend of Princess Diana, was known for her discreet and specialized approach to therapy, making her an ideal choice for someone in Harry's position.
A source close to Harry explained, "Someone incredibly discreet was needed who understood the duality between public and private life." "MI6 therapists do just that," they added, highlighting the importance of confidentiality in Harry's therapeutic journey.
Addressing past trauma
Harry's decision to seek therapy was not without its challenges. In his memoir, Spare, he revealed that his family had reservations about his reliance on therapy.
He recounted an incident where he invited his brother, Prince William, to a therapy session, but William declined. Harry also mentioned that his brother feared he was being "brainwashed" by therapy.
Despite these concerns, Harry continued his therapeutic journey, which he described as transformative.
He acknowledged that he had been avoiding the pain of losing his mother, Princess Diana, by engaging in rebellious behavior and refusing to confront his emotions. Therapy allowed him to process these feelings and begin healing.
The Duke of Sussex has since become an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy.