Meghan Markle Opens Up About Online Trolls During Australia Visit

Thu Apr 16 2026 14:18:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a recent engagement in Melbourne, Meghan Markle revealed she was the 'most trolled person in the world' for over a decade, discussing the negative impacts of social media and advocating for a ban on platforms for young users.

Meghan Markle stated she endured relentless online bullying for ten years, making her the most trolled individual globally. During an event in Melbourne, she criticized social media companies for not prioritizing user safety and expressed support for Australia's ban on social media for users under 16. Her husband, Prince Harry, echoed her sentiments, reinforcing the need for accountability among tech companies. The couple used their visit to spotlight the importance of mental health and safety for young people in the digital age.

The Duchess of Sussex has said that for 10 years she was the 'most trolled person in the entire world' online.

Speaking in Melbourne about the harms of social media, alongside the Duke of Sussex, Meghan said she was 'bullied' every day for a decade and that tech companies were 'not incentivised to stop' their platforms being misused.

The couple are in Australia on a four-day tour as non-working royals and used a meeting on Thursday with representatives of a mental health programme to voice their support for the country's under-16 social media ban.

On the same day, Prince Harry gave a keynote speech at a workplace culture summit, with tickets costing up to A$2,400 (£1,260) per person.

The event that Meghan and Prince Harry took part in was at Melbourne's Swinburne University of Technology.

During the sit-down chat, Meghan told the group: 'When I think of all of you and what you're experiencing, I think so much of that is having to realise 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.'

Her husband added that he thought Australia's social media ban for children was 'epic' from a 'responsibility and leadership standpoint'. Prince Harry stated that many countries have now enacted similar measures, but emphasized that 'it should have never, ever got to a ban'.

Speaking later at the InterEdge Summit, also in Melbourne, Prince Harry shared his thoughts on personal loss and the challenges faced during grief, especially under public scrutiny.

The couple also participated in an Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne, engaging with local guides and learning about the cultural significance of the area.