Prince Harry Has High Hopes That His New Series With Oprah 'Could Save Lives'

Julie Sprankles

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New details about Prince Harry and Oprah’s Apple TV+ series have emerged, and they’re coming straight from the Duke himself. Two years ago, he opened up about his own mental health and how he struggled to process his grief following Princess Diana’s death. Now, Harry is speaking candidly about his new collaboration and its potential to help others who may also be struggling in silence.

In 2017, Prince Harry spoke with the Daily Telegraph‘s Bryony Gordon about his mental state following his mother’s death. So, it only makes sense that he would feel comfortable once again going to Gordon to reveal new details about his series with Oprah — especially since, in part, Prince Harry credits Gordon’s Mad World podcast with an important personal epiphany. “When I did your podcast two years ago, the response made me realize what an impact sharing my story could have, and what an impact other stories can have for so many who are suffering silently,” he explained.

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The hope, of course, is that the series might have a profound effect on those watching. “If the viewers can relate to the pain and perhaps the experience, then it could save lives, as we will focus on prevention and positive outcomes,” Prince Harry said.

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We are excited to announce that The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020. The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform. 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. This 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. His Royal Highness has spent many years working with communities throughout the UK and young people across the Commonwealth to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and broaden the conversation of mental wellness to accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society. Quote from HRH: “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. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

According to Prince Harry, he and Oprah have hit the ground running and “are assembling subject matter experts” to inform the series, adding, “The facts and science exist and we deserve to know it all.”

The documentary series — Prince Harry and Oprah will serve as “partners, co-creators and executive producers,” according to the original announcement — won’t debut until next spring, in April 2020. But last April, when the series was announced, Prince Harry and Oprah began the important and necessary work to bring this conversation to the global platform of Apple TV+.

Working on the series is already helping people. Or, for now, one in particular: Prince Harry. Shared the Duke of Sussex, “What I have learned and continue to learn in the space of mental health, mental illness and self-awareness is that all roads lead back to our mental wellbeing how we look after ourselves and each other.” We can’t wait for the show.

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