Prince Harry recounts childhood grief in Masterclass course

Prince Harry Recounts Childhood Grief on Masterclass

Harry discusses the 1997 death of his mother, Diana, and the decades of suppressed emotion that followed in a 20-lesson online course on the U.S. learning platform Masterclass. Harry appears alongside neuroscientist and grief researcher Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor in a curriculum titled “Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss,” which spans just under 100 minutes and costs $120 for an annual subscription.

Diana died in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997, when Harry was 12 years old. In the course, Harry recalls walking behind his mother’s coffin and shaking hands with mourners outside Kensington Palace shortly before his 13th birthday, noting that strangers appeared to grieve more openly than he did. He states that he did not cry when told of her death and only wept a week later at her funeral, after which he suppressed his tears for nearly two decades.

Therapy After Afghanistan Service

Harry began therapy in 2013 following his second military deployment to Afghanistan. He explains in the Masterclass sessions that counseling gave him permission to grieve a loss he had locked away for years. As a child, he spent years believing his mother had faked her death and would eventually return to retrieve him and his brother William.

The Masterclass pairs Harry’s personal disclosures with scientific insights from Dr. O’Connor. While the platform combines personal narrative with structured coping exercises, the course brings renewed attention to the contrast between Harry’s public openness and his stated desire for privacy since stepping back from the British royal family in 2020.

Diverging Paths for the Two Brothers

William marks the anniversary of their mother’s death differently. Following the 2017 television documentary “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy,” William stated that the brothers would never speak so publicly about her again. According to a report in the Sunday Times, William subsequently turned down media requests for documentaries tied to the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death.

Harry, meanwhile, continues to share his personal history through platforms like his memoir Spare, a Netflix docuseries, and now the Masterclass curriculum. The public appearances highlight an ongoing tension for Harry, who frequently criticizes tabloid media exploitation while voluntarily placing his private experiences on commercial digital stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Harry’s Masterclass cost?

The “Redefining Grief” course is hosted on Masterclass, which charges $10 per month, though users must purchase a $120 annual subscription to access the content.

Who is teaching the course alongside Harry?

Neuroscientist and grief researcher Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor co-leads the 20-lesson curriculum, providing the scientific foundation while Harry shares his personal experiences.

When did Harry begin therapy for his childhood loss?

Harry started therapy in 2013 following his second military deployment to Afghanistan, a step he says finally allowed him to grieve his mother’s death.