LONDON (UPDATE) - Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, said she was so unhappy in the British royal family that she considered suicide or self harm after asking for help but getting none.

"I just didn't want to be alive any more. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. And I remember how he (Harry) just cradled me," Meghan said in an interview with US station CBS.

Asked if she thought of harming herself or having suicidal thoughts she said: "Yes. This was very, very clear, ... and very scary."

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Sunday gave their first major TV interview since stepping back from the British royal family a year ago.

The highly anticipated interview comes amid an acrimonious row between Meghan and Harry on one side and the British monarchy on the other.

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In the same interview with Oprah Winfrey, the former 'Suits' actress said people within the royal institution not only failed to protect her against malicious claims but lied to protect others.

"It was only once we were married and everything started to really worsen that I came to understand that not only was I not being protected but that they were willing to lie to protect other members of the family," Meghan said.

• Meghan says claim she made Kate cry was 'character assassination'

The couple, who married in 2018, have stepped down from their royal duties and are starting a new life in the United States.

The interview was filmed weeks ago but pre-broadcast clips of her comments were made available just hours after the Palace took the unusual step of confirming it would investigate newspaper claims Meghan had bullied royal staff.

The escalating war of words has fueled fears that already frayed ties could snap completely, with every word, look and gesture likely to be picked over in endless detail.

• Meghan Markle says UK royals refused to make her son prince due to skin color

Editor's note:

A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.

The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.

These are their hotline numbers:

Information and Crisis Intervention Center
(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917-558-HOPE (4673) or (632) 211-4550
0917-852-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-6876
0917-842-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-4084

In Touch Crisis Lines:
0917-572-HOPE or (632) 211-1305
(02) 893-7606 (24/7)
(02) 893-7603 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm)
Globe (63917) 800.1123 or (632) 506.7314
Sun (63922) 893.8944 or (632) 346.8776

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