Prince Harry teams up with Oprah Winfrey for landmark mental health series

The Duke of Sussex will partner with Oprah Winfrey on a new mental health series for Apple, Kensington Palace has announced.

Harry, 34, and the American talk show host have been developing the documentary together for “several months.”

The 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 thrive, rather than to simply survive.

Harry and Oprah are said to have been friends for some time now – the 65-year-old attended Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding last May. While the A-lister’s connection with the Royal Family is unclear, it was thought that following the wedding, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland might be interviewed by Oprah to discuss racism and media coverage. To the best of our knowledge, an interview hasn’t yet happened.

Addressing the mental health series, Harry said: “I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self.

“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.”

The news was also announced on the Sussexes’ Instagram account and Oprah commented: “Delighted to be partnering with you. Hope we shed a lot of Light. And change some lives!”

The series builds on Harry’s work around mental health issues and initiatives. In 2017, he and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched their campaign Heads Together to encourage people to talk about their wellbeing, to reduce the stigma around mental health.

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Last week, Harry visited YMCA South Ealing where he met with organisations supporting the mental health of teenagers and young adults.

During the engagement, he expressed his concerns around the impact of social media on youngsters and said it’s “more addictive than drugs and alcohol.”

Harry and Meghan are expecting their first child in the coming weeks. On Thursday, the duke will open a new youth zone in Dagenham, East London.