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Prince Harry and Oprah have just announced they’ve teamed up as co-creators and executive producers on a new mental health documentary series which is set to launch on Apple in 2020.
The announcement, made on the newly launched @sussexroyal Instagram page, was shared on Wednesday evening (NZ time), which included a lengthy caption explaining the concept of the important series that Prince Harry, 34, and the US TV personality, 65, have been developing over the past few months.
Oprah attending Meghan and Harry’s wedding last year in May. (Image: Getty)
“The dynamic multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive,” the announcement explains.
“The commitment builds on The Duke of Sussex’s long-standing work on issues and initiatives regarding mental health, where he has candidly shared personal experience and advocated for those who silently suffer, empowering them to get the help and support they deserve.”
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and broadening the conversations around mental illness and wellness is something Prince Harry has been incredibly passionate about for a number of years, spearheading the Heads Together campaign with his brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate.
“I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness- is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-drive self,” Prince Harry says.
“It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times.
“Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better,” he continues.
“I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”
Oprah replied saying she was “delighted” to be partnering with Harry.
“Hope we shed a lot of Light. And change some lives,” she penned.
The doco series acts as the next step in Harry’s work to tackle the stigma around mental health and just last week the Duke of Sussex paid a visit the YMCA in South Ealing, London to have a roundtable discussion with some of the UK’s leading mental health charities and organisations.
“There continues to be huge progress in smashing the stigma that surrounds mental health, but let’s keep normalising the conversation,” Harry said at the time.
“Let’s keep reminding each other that it’s okay to not be okay, and to listen to each other.
“After all, how we think determines how we act, how we feel, and how we treat ourselves and those around us.”
Prince Harry attending a roundtable discussion last week with mental health charities and organisations. (Image: Getty)
Since the announcement Oprah has also appeared on CBS This Morning to talk about the project, but things quickly turned to a conversation about Duchess Meghan, who is just about to give birth to her first child any day, and the months of negative rumours and reports that have been flooding the tabloids.
“I think she’s being portrayed unfairly, and I feel that if people really knew her they would know that she is not only everything we perceive of her in being graceful and dynamic in holding that position, but she just has a wonderful, warm, giving, loving heart,” Oprah said of Meghan.
“I think it’s very unfair.”
One of the show’s co-hosts, Gayle King, who not only happens to be good friends with Oprah but also attended Meghan’s February baby shower in New York added, “She’s very kind. She doesn’t seem to buy into [her bad press] though.”
Oprah attended Meghan and Harry’s wedding last year in May and has even spent time with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, reportedly inviting the yoga instructor to do yoga with her in her California home.
Oprah on CBS This Morning. One of the co-hosts, Gayle King (L), also attended Meghan’s baby shower in New York. (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan are expecting the birth of their first child any day now, and no doubt settling into their new life at Frogmore Cottage.
There has been much speculation about where Meghan will choose to give birth.
Many now doubt she’ll follow in the footsteps of her sister-in-law Kate by choosing the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, due to its distance from their new home (it’s more than 40 minutes away), thinking that she’s likely to choose a more local hospital, while there have been reports that the Duchess is hoping for a home birth, assuming all goes to plan.
With the baby predicted to be due late this month, excitement for the birth of the royal baby is reaching fever pitch.
