Doria Ragland on why Harry can't protect Meghan Markle in emotional Netflix interview

Doria Ragland has opened up about Meghan Markle's struggle with suicidal thoughts, revealing that her daughter's mental anguish 'broke' her heart

Doria Ragland on why Harry can't 'protect' Meghan in emotional Netflix interview
(Image credit: Getty)

Doria Ragland became visibly emotional in the Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, as she opened up about her royal daughter's struggle with suicidal thoughts for the first time. 

Doria Ragland has opened up about Meghan Markle's suicidal ideation for the first time, revealing that neither she nor Prince Harry could 'protect' her daughter from the 'vultures' trying to break her 'spirit'.

Appearing on the fourth episode of the Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, the American yoga teacher welled up in tears as she reflected on the painful ordeal. Doria explains how she "knew that it was bad" when the Duchess of Sussex told her "she'd wanted to take her own life", recalling that the shocking revelation "really broke my heart."

The 66-year-old went on to say that Meghan, who first disclosed her history of suicidal ideation during her CBS interview with Oprah in 2021, was "constantly" being "picked at by these vultures." 

Doria and Meghan

(Image credit: Getty)

The duchess told the US talk show host that she "didn't want to be alive anymore" after she married into the Royal Family, but was "ashamed" to admit it to herself and to Prince Harry. The couple has also claimed that the Royal Family failed to get Meghan the help she needed, over concerns about how it could look to the public. 

"That's not an easy one for a mum to hear, you know," Doria added. "And I can’t protect her. H [Prince Harry] can’t protect her." The heartbreaking interview comes after bombshell claims from the duchess's friends that Meghan Markle was 'scapegoat' for the Royal Family to detract attention away from its other members. 

Doria Ragland with daughter Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

(Image credit: Getty)

Meghan also provided insight into this dark period of her life, which ultimately culminated in her planning her own suicide when she was six months pregnant with her first child, Archie. 

"I was like, 'All of this will stop if I'm not here,'" the 41-year-old said. "And that was the scariest thing about it. It was just clear thinking."

Prince Harry also shared regret for how he responded to Meghan's mental health struggles in the Netflix documentary, admitting that he "hates" himself for approaching the crisis as "institutional Harry" rather than as a loving husband. 

"I'd been trained to worry more about what are people gonna think if we don’t go to this event, we’re gonna be late," the 38-year-old said. "Looking back on it now, I hate myself for it. What she needed from me was so much more than I was able to give."

The duke also recalls being "devastated" to discover that Meghan was suicidal, admitting that while he knew she was struggling, he "never thought that it would get to that stage." 

Emma Dooney
News and lifestyle writer

Emma is a Lifestyle News Writer for Goodto. Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, she mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.