Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, declared herself “the most trolled person in the entire world” during a mental health event in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday — claiming she has “been bullied and attacked” every day for the past decade.
The 44-year-old former “Suits” star made the comments while visiting Batyr, an Australian youth mental health organization, at Swinburne University of Technology with her husband, Prince Harry.
“Every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked,” Markle said, according to People magazine. “I was the most trolled person in the entire world.”
She told students that dealing with social media abuse is an issue that “rings true for me in a very real way.”
Markle’s Lecture on ‘Cruelty’
The Duchess of Sussex rallied against what she called the “cruelty” of social media, lecturing students that they need to be “stronger” to handle cyberbullying.
“That industry, that billion-dollar industry that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks — that’s not going to change,” Markle stated.
Her comments come during the couple’s three-day “faux-royal” tour of Australia, which began Tuesday. The trip has included visits to a children’s hospital, a women’s homeless shelter, and a veteran’s art museum, as well as a guest appearance by Markle on “MasterChef Australia.”
According to royal experts, the Sussexes could earn as much as $10 million from speaking engagements and brand deals during the Australian tour.
Harry’s Mental Health Confessions
Prince Harry, 41, also spoke candidly about his own mental health struggles at the Batyr event, revealing that he waited “until I was literally in the fetal position, much older, lying on the kitchen floor” before seeking therapy.
“I waited until I was literally in the fetal position, much older, lying on the kitchen floor until I was like, ‘OK, maybe this therapy thing — maybe I should try it,’” Harry shared.
He noted that his mental health “could not stand living in a city” and that social media has “led to so much loneliness for so many people.”
Later in the day, the couple attended the InterEdge Summit at the CENTREPIECE venue at Melbourne Park, where Harry served as the keynote speaker on workplace mental health. During his 19-minute speech, he reflected on the grief of losing his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 when he was just 12 years old.
“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,” Harry told attendees.
The father of two admitted he’s “felt lost, betrayed or completely powerless” many times in his life.
Harry’s Royal Resentment
Following his speech, Harry reportedly had a discussion with Australian business leader and former politician Brendan Nelson, during which he recalled not wanting to be a royal after Diana’s death.
“I was like, ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role — wherever this is headed, I don’t like it,’” Harry said. “It killed my mum and I was very much against it, and I stuck my head in the sand for years and years.”
However, the former military pilot said he eventually realized his late mother would want him to use his “platform” and “resources” to “make a difference in the world.”
The Cyberbullying Debate
Markle’s claim of being “the most trolled person in the entire world” has drawn significant attention — and skepticism — given the prevalence of online abuse targeting other public figures, including politicians, journalists, and activists.
According to a 2025 report from The Cyberbullying Research Center:
- 46% of US teens have experienced cyberbullying
- 15% of adults report being severely trolled online
- High-profile targets include journalists (67% report abuse) , politicians (58%) , and LGBTQ+ activists (52%)
While Markle has undoubtedly faced intense media scrutiny and online harassment since her relationship with Prince Harry became public in 2016, critics note that other figures — such as J.K. Rowling (targeted for her gender-critical views), Greta Thunberg (subjected to relentless attacks from climate deniers), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (facing daily threats) — have also endured extreme trolling without claiming the “most trolled” title.
Social Media’s Billion-Dollar Cruelty Industry
Markle’s characterization of social media as a “billion-dollar industry that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty” reflects a growing body of research.
A 2024 study from the Pew Research Center found that:
- 72% of social media users believe platforms deliberately amplify divisive content to drive engagement
- 64% say online abuse has worsened in the last five years
- Platforms generate an estimated $11 billion annually from engagement driven by “outrage” content
Major platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Meta (Facebook/Instagram), and TikTok, have faced increasing pressure to moderate abuse — but critics argue their algorithms still reward controversy.
The Sussexes’ Australia Tour: By the Numbers
| Day | Activities | Estimated Earnings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Tuesday) | Children’s hospital, women’s shelter, veteran’s museum, “MasterChef Australia” taping | $2–3 million |
| Day 2 (Wednesday) | Not publicly reported | — |
| Day 3 (Thursday) | Batyr mental health event, InterEdge Summit keynote | $2–3 million |
| Total | — | Up to $10 million |
The tour has been described as “faux-royal” by critics, given that Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California.
Public Reaction
Social media reaction to Markle’s “most trolled” comment has been mixed:
Supporters said:
“She’s absolutely right. The vitriol directed at Meghan has been non-stop and vicious. No one deserves that.” — @sussexsquad
“Harry’s honesty about therapy is going to help so many men who are struggling in silence.” — @mentalhealthmatters
Critics responded:
“Most trolled? Tell that to the families of Sandy Hook who get death threats daily.” — @connecticutdad
“She chose this life. She writes books, does Netflix deals, and goes on speaking tours. The attention comes with the territory.” — @royalwatcher
What Happens Next
- Tour continues: The Sussexes are expected to remain in Australia through the weekend.
- Potential earnings: Experts estimate the tour could generate up to $10 million in speaking fees and brand deals.
- Netflix fallout: The couple recently lost their Netflix production deal, making this tour a crucial source of income.
- Future projects: Harry’s memoir “Spare” (2023) and their Archewell Foundation remain ongoing concerns.
FAQ: Meghan Markle’s ‘Most Trolled’ Claim
Q: What exactly did Meghan Markle say?
A: She said, “Every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. I was the most trolled person in the entire world.”
Q: When did the trolling start?
A: Markle’s relationship with Prince Harry became public in 2016. She has faced intense media scrutiny and online abuse since then.
Q: Is she actually the most trolled person?
A: While she has undoubtedly faced significant abuse, other public figures — including J.K. Rowling, Greta Thunberg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — have also experienced extreme trolling. There is no definitive metric for “most trolled.”
Q: What was the event about?
A: Batyr is an Australian youth mental health organization. The Sussexes spoke to students about cyberbullying and mental health.
Q: How much can they earn from the Australia tour?
A: Experts estimate up to $10 million from speaking engagements and brand deals.
Q: Did Harry talk about therapy?
A: Yes. He said he waited until he was “in the fetal position on the kitchen floor” before seeking help.
