

Obsessed with the latest news about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? These days, who isn’t? But according to a report from Reuters, you should probably monitor how all-encompassing your interest in all things royal becomes—because it could turn into an actual mental illness.
Your obsession with the Royal wedding could turn into a real mental illness.
Psychiatrist Sue Varma, an assistant professor at New York University Langone Medical Center, told Reuters that there’s nothing inherently wrong with loving every last bit of Meghan Markle family gossip. But there comes a point where royal obsession can get pretty dark.
“It’s the lack of other activities, the lack of flexibility, the fact that you’re taking away time from something else. Is this time that you could have been spending with your kids? Is this time you could be talking with your partner?” Varma said.
Varma also noted that you fawning over Harry is an entirely one-sided relationship, unless you are literally Meghan Markle. So be sure you’re keeping that in mind when you keep refreshing Kensington Palace’s Instagram account. “When you start socializing with people that you don’t know, when you don’t have a reciprocal relationship, this is called parasocial. It’s one sided,” she said. “This is a problem when you’re living in a fantasy world at the expense of creating real relationships.”
Atlas Obscura reports that parasocial relationships often occur with celebrities or even fictional characters. Most are totally harmless, like being way too invested in Olivia Pope’s decisions on Scandal. But others can become dangerous, like when John Hinckley Jr. tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan to impress Jodie Foster. Sure, most people aren’t going to go that far, thankfully, but there’s still a definite downside to celebrity obsession.
Many people turn to parasocial relationships when they’re feeling lonely, according to Scientific American, which is why rom-coms can feel great after a breakup. It just reflects every person’s fundamental need to belong to a social group.
But some social scientists worry that too much time with parasocial relationships will take away from your time talking to actual people you're acquainted with. So if you’re planning on watching Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May, invite a few friends over. It’ll be more fun—and healthier for you, too.
RELATED STORY
RELATED STORY
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
The Anthropologie Cyber Monday Sale Feels Like Stealing
Some of these sales are so good, the mind reels.
By Alicia Lutes
-
Chrissy Teigen and Daughter Luna's Hairstyling Bonding Moment Is the Cutest Thing
The Legend girls are big fans of the Dyson Airwrap.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
Dolly Parton’s Cheerleader Glam Was the Highlight of Thanksgiving Game Day
We know exactly who won this one.
By Sophia Vilensky
-
In Between a Rock and a Hard Place, King Charles Might Have the Solution to See Both of His Sons Over the Holidays
Here’s what we know about Prince William, Prince Harry, and Christmas at Sandringham.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Is Reportedly Torn Between Prince Harry and Queen Camilla
The King is in a difficult spot.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Royals Have a Footwear Brand That Both Kate *and* Meghan Love
Meghan kickstarted the trend; Kate now owns six different styles.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles and Meghan Markle Are in Touch Via Text, Royal Author Shares
Meghan mostly sends over messages about a particular topic.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Meghan Markle Finally Addresses the Resurgence of “Suits”
The show has amassed 45 billion minutes in streaming on Netflix and Peacock combined.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Omid Scobie: Meghan Markle “Doesn’t Want Anything to Do” with the Royal Family, But for Prince Harry, There’s Still “Unfinished Business”
Though no longer working for the Firm, the royal family is still Harry’s birth family, after all.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Understandably, Prince Harry is Reportedly Not Watching This Season of “The Crown”
He has been a viewer of the Netflix series in the past.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry's Children Archie and Lilibet Reportedly Recorded a Birthday Message for Grandpa Charles
Stop, how cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn