Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey Team Up For Series on Mental Health

Layla Ilchi

TV royalty and British royalty are coming together.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Oprah Winfrey are joining forces to create a series focusing on mental health to air on Apple’s new streaming platform, Apple TV+, in 2020. The duo serve as partners, co-creators and executive producers for the upcoming show.

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The news was confirmed today via Prince Harry’s joint Instagram account with The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The post gave more insight into the show’s premise and offered a quote from Prince Harry, stating: “I truly believe that good mental health — mental fitness — is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self.”

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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

The tie-up is a part of Winfrey’s multiyear partnership with Apple, which was revealed last June. This deal marks the first time Apple has partnered with a content creator.

The untitled show will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness and is meant to encourage honest conversations around mental health and equip those suffering with the tools to thrive. The series has been in development for several months and continues Prince Harry’s commitment to debunking the stigma surrounding mental health. Winfrey has been a long-time friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and attended the couple’s wedding in May 2018.

This isn’t Prince Harry’s first initiative surrounding mental health. With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry helped launch the Heads Together campaign, an initiative that aims to change the conversation on mental health and raise funds for innovative mental health services.

Prince Harry has also spoken candidly about his own struggles with mental health, particularly surrounding his grief over the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

This mental health series is just one of Winfrey’s projects for Apple’s streaming service. Others will be related to podcasts, books and apps, to name a few.

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