Meghan Markle’s subtle signal of distress has raised concerns among her close circle and left Prince Harry deeply worried during his recent overseas travels. The Duchess of Sussex, who has been candid about her mental health struggles in the past, was spotted wearing a stress patch on her wrist last year while Harry was away—a silent “cry for help” that has sparked renewed concerns about her well-being.

The stress patch, created by NuCalm, works by sending electromagnetic frequencies to the brain to help alleviate anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system. When Meghan was seen wearing the blue circular patch while running errands in California, it was more than just a wellness tool—it was a subtle message to those around her, particularly Harry, signaling that she was struggling.

An insider close to the couple revealed to Closer Magazine that the sight of Meghan wearing the patch left Harry “desperately worried” about his wife. “The last few months, even years, have been extremely hard for Meghan, and there’s a real fear that this patch is a way for her to send a silent, but effective, cry for help to the people in her orbit—in particular, Harry,” the source said. “It’s an SOS that could signal she’s really struggling with the sheer scale of stress and the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.”

The source further shared that Harry has been urging Meghan to “hang in there,” fully aware of the immense stress she’s been under. “He’s been imploring her to hang in there, but is fully aware of how hard it is because he suffers the same difficulties coping with it himself. The fact she’s now resorting to wellness patches to cope makes Harry even more concerned,” the insider added.

Prince Harry’s recent solo trips have only amplified these worries. Earlier this year, Harry traveled alone to the UK twice—once to support his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis, and again for an Invictus Games celebration. These trips came amid ongoing concerns for Meghan’s mental health, leaving Harry torn between his royal duties and his desire to be by his wife’s side.

Now back in California after a four-day tour of Colombia, Harry and Meghan are reportedly hoping for some much-needed quiet time at home. For Meghan, who spent her 42nd birthday alone while Harry was away, this downtime may offer a chance to recharge and recover from the stresses of public life.

As Meghan and Harry navigate the pressures of their high-profile lives, the Duchess’s recent use of a stress patch serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges they continue to face. While they may be focused on their charitable endeavors and raising their young family, Meghan’s silent cry for help highlights the toll that such responsibilities can take on even the most resilient individuals.