Prince Harry has tried his hand at Australian rules football during a visit to the Western Bulldogs, using the occasion to highlight the importance of mental health support for fathers.
The Duke of Sussex spent the morning at Whitten Oval in Footscray in Melbourne’s inner west, where he participated in a joint event hosted by men’s mental health charity Movember and the Western Bulldogs.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Prince Harry kicks goals for men’s mental health
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Inside the club, Prince Harry spoke candidly about his own mental health struggles and emphasised the critical need for men to seek help when facing challenges.
‘’Certainly, I felt a disconnection because my wife was the one creating life and I was there to witness it,’‘ he said.
‘’And I think for many guys, you try to think about what service can I provide at this point, because my work here is done to some extent.’‘
Dad to Prince Archie, six, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, Harry said he saw his role as fostering the next generation, although he steered clear of making any direct references to his own father, King Charles, from whom he is estranged.
‘’I see parenting evolving over time. I think it always has, just as much as from my perspective, our kids are our upgrade,’‘ he said.
‘’That’s not how I was taught but that was my take on it.”
Movember’s Dr Zac Seidler was “grateful” for Prince Harry‘s visit.
“We could not be more grateful to have someone of his status really coming and joining forces with us, walking alongside us to say enough is enough. Dads need more support,” he said.
“This is something that he is so passionate about.
“He spoke so rawly about things that he’s experienced with his wife, with his kids.
“And it’s just such an incredible opportunity to be able to share a room with him.”
After the indoor session, Prince Harry headed outside for a crash course in Australian football, learning how to kick and handball with Western Bulldogs stars Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Matthew Kennedy.
It was a quieter day for the Duke and Duchess, with no public engagements scheduled for Meghan after three appearances on Tuesday, including a warm welcome at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
There is speculation the Duchess has private business meetings in Australia as she is reportedly preparing to launch her homeware brand.
Prince Harry is now travelling to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra for a short visit before returning to Melbourne for three more events with Meghan on Thursday, including a paid keynote speaking engagement at the InterEdge Summit.
The couple will then head to Sydney to continue their Australian tour.
– With AAP
