The Biden White House on Monday praised the "courage" of Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle for speaking out about mental health during their prime-time interview with Oprah Winfrey.
"Meghan Markle is a private citizen, and so is Harry," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki during her Monday briefing. "At this point, for anyone to come forward and speak about their own struggles with mental health and tell their own personal story, that takes courage and that's certainly something the president believes."
"Let me just reiterate that we have a strong and abiding relationship with the British people and a special partnership with the government of the United Kingdom on a range of issues, and that will continue."
Markle during the interview said she had developed suicidal thoughts after joining the British royal family and that the royal family's human resources department denied her from getting help.
"I went to one of the most senior people to get help," she said. "And I share this because, there are so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help, and I know how hard it is to not just voice it but to be told 'no.'"
Markle said the response was, "My heart goes out to you because I see how bad it is, but there's nothing we can do to protect you because you're not a paid employee of the institution."
She added at this point, she was "begging for help" and "saying very specifically: 'I am concerned for my mental welfare.'"
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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