Prince Harry has shockingly revealed to Oprah Winfrey that he used alcohol and drugs as a method to cope with his failing mental health because of his mother's death.
The Duke of Sussex candidly opened up to the American presenter for the new Apple TV series The Me You Can't See.
And he admitted that he was "willing to take drugs" while struggling to process the death of Princess Diana.
He confessed that he was "trying to mask something".
Harry told Oprah: "I was willing to drink, I was willing to take drugs. I was willing to do the things that made me feel less like I was feeling.
"But I slowly became aware that, ok, I wasn't drinking Monday to Friday but I would probably drink a week's worth in one day on a Friday or a Saturday night.
"And I would find myself drinking not because I was enjoying it but because I was trying to mask something."
He admitted that he wasn't originally aware that he was doing this to mask trauma.
And the 36-year-old described how the ages of 28-32 were a "nightmare" part of his life.
But, he revealed that he has since taken wife Meghan's advice and sought therapy to help him with his mental wellbeing.
He revealed that he had previously been told by family members to "just play the game and your life will be easier".
But he admitted that wasn't for him as he has "a hell of a lot of my mum in me".
And he harrowingly discussed how his long-lasting memory of his mother is one of torment and fear.
"Unfortunately when I think about my mum, the first thing that comes to mind is always the same one over and over again," he emotionally admitted.
"Strapped in the car, seat belt across with my brother in the car as well and mother driving and being chased by three, four, five mopeds with paparazzi on.
"She was always unable to drive because of the tears. There was no protection."
He admitted that this scenario was one that happened on a daily basis until Diana died in a car crash in 1997.
During the first three episodes, Harry addressed traumatic memories from his childhood, including the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and harassment on social media of he and his wife Meghan.
The documentary series will focus on mental illness and mental wellness and aims to inspire viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges people face and how to equip themselves with the tools to thrive.
