Prince Harry's comments during a live broadcast over the weekend with controversial doctor Gabor Maté have sparked controversy once again, especially after he announced that the South American drink "ayahuasca" helped him cope with the trauma of his mother Princess Diana's death in 1997. This drink, which comes from Amazon rainforest herbs, is illegal in the United Kingdom.
The debate started when a 73-year-old woman named Fiona Chase objected to the prince's statement, considering him a public figure who promotes drug use. Fiona suffered the loss of her niece, Jennifer, aged 29, due to the consumption of these herbs after she experienced drug-induced psychosis during a yoga retreat in Peru.
Jennifer’s aunt commented on Harry’s declaration: "He shouldn't speak positively about this drug. It is irresponsible because many people look up to him." She added, "It worked for him, but it certainly didn't work for Jenny. Like any drug, different people react differently."
The coroner warned: "There is a lack of awareness about hallucinogenic drugs and their tendency to cause or exacerbate psychosis."
MP Nigel Mills stated, according to The Sun, that: "Harry's comments are clearly dangerous. What he said is a disgrace. If you have a coroner issuing warnings about these things, we shouldn't have someone in such a high-profile position promoting and boasting about them. He is by no means a medical expert."
He concluded: "His comments are profoundly foolish."
