Prince Harry Says He Had ‘Stuff from the Past’ He Had to Deal with Before Having Kids

Prince Harry has shared insights into the challenges of fatherhood and the importance of mental health during his recent visit to Melbourne, Australia, where he addressed an audience at a Movember event on 15 April. The gathering centred on the themes of fatherhood and mental well-being, and the Duke of Sussex took the opportunity to remind fathers that they are “not alone” in their parenting journeys.

The Movember charity, which started in Melbourne in 2003, aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, particularly focusing on mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, as well as suicide prevention. At the event, Harry spoke candidly about how therapy played a crucial role in preparing him for fatherhood and helping him to confront unresolved issues from his past.

During the event, which featured a discussion with Dr. Zac Seidler, Movember’s global director of men’s health research, Prince Harry explained, “From a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids.” He reflected on his own experiences leading up to the births of his children, Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, aged four, mentioning a pivotal moment with his therapist prior to Archie’s arrival. Harry was advised to remain aware of his emotions once his child was born.

He described feeling a sense of “disconnection” in the early days of parenthood, stating, “My wife was the one creating life, and I was there to witness it.” This insight reflects a common feeling among new fathers, where the shift in family dynamics can lead to complex emotions. In an encouraging message to both new and expectant fathers, he stated, “Yes, it’s messy. You’ll have a rollercoaster of emotions — and don’t judge yourself.”

Prince Harry highlighted the significant work that Movember is doing to break down the barriers around discussions of men’s mental health. He emphasised that many fathers grapple with similar feelings during their journeys and expressed hope that by sharing these experiences, more men will feel empowered to speak out. He noted, “There’s an evolution happening here, and I think the more guys that come forward and talk about it, the higher those numbers will be because those numbers are remarkable and very telling in a culture where it’s not really talked about.”

Acknowledging the shift in parental roles, Harry reflected on the differences between his upbringing and the parenting practices of today. He remarked that contemporary conversations around mental health were not commonplace during his childhood with King Charles and the late Princess Diana. He expressed a belief that the current generation of parents is better equipped to engage in open dialogues about emotions with their children, saying, “The kids that we bring up in today’s world need to be an upgrade.”

The couple’s engagement in Melbourne was part of a wider visit to Australia, which included activities at the Royal Children’s Hospital and a connection with veteran families at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, also visited a shelter that supports women facing family violence and homelessness.

Looking ahead, Prince Harry is set to continue his tour by travelling to Canberra, where he is scheduled to visit the Australian War Memorial, meet with Indigenous veterans, and attend events linked to Invictus Australia. This visit not only underscores the couple’s commitment to charitable causes but also highlights the ongoing conversation around mental health and the importance of community support for parents.

As the event concluded, Harry’s message resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the notion that, despite the challenges of parenthood, fathers have the resources and community support available to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively. The royal’s commitment to advocating for mental health awareness continues to shine a light on these essential discussions, encouraging others to seek help when needed.