Prince Harry says children should be an 'upgrade' of their parents as he talks mental health in Melbourne

During the second day of his short visit to Australia, the Duke of Sussex combined his enthusiasm for mental health advocacy with his interest in sport. He openly discussed his personal journey of fatherhood, emphasizing his efforts to “upgrade” the parenting approach he experienced growing up. Following this, he took part in a brief AFL (Australian Rules Football) lesson with the Western Bulldogs, a team that holds a significant place in Melbourne’s sporting culture.

Meghan Markle was absent from the event and has no public engagements scheduled for Wednesday. When asked about her plans, a spokesperson for the Sussexes did not provide a response. The couple, who are no longer working members of the royal family and are visiting privately, are balancing visits to charitable organizations alongside commercial activities, with Meghan reportedly focusing on expanding her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in Australia.

The Duke served as a special guest at the launch of a new report by the charity Movember, which centers on the mental health challenges faced by fathers of young children. Addressing the audience in Melbourne, Harry began with a warm “G’day everyone,” and referenced the promising start of the Western Bulldogs’ season. He candidly shared insights into his mental health journey since becoming a father, mentioning his own upbringing and his father, King Charles III. He expressed how parenting is continuously evolving and stated, “From my perspective, our kids are our upgrades.” He highlighted the need for parents to adapt to the changing world and stressed the importance of fathers seeking help when struggling, countering the stigma traditionally associated with doing so.

Dr Zac Seidler, Movember’s Global Director of Research, praised Harry’s involvement, noting the significance of the research which found that one in five new fathers felt deeply isolated, and that many were not asked about their wellbeing during the first year of parenthood. Seidler commended Harry’s dedication to the cause, sharing, “He’s really passionate about this, it matters to him,” and described how the Duke spoke openly about his own experiences, urging change and awareness. Nathan Appo, the first Indigenous Australian on Movember’s global board, also acknowledged Harry’s efforts to use his platform responsibly. Appo reflected on the ongoing impacts of British colonialism on Indigenous communities in Australia and praised Harry for his commitment to understanding these issues and influencing positive policy changes. The event attracted attention from various quarters, including members of The Wiggles, who supported the Duke’s focus on men’s health awareness.

In addition to his advocacy work, the Duke engaged in a practical introduction to AFL under the mentorship of Western Bulldogs player Adam Treloar. Treloar shared that Harry showed genuine enthusiasm and curiosity about the sport, asking detailed questions about the gameplay and equipment. Their interaction appeared relaxed and sincere, highlighting the Duke’s approachable nature amidst his public duties

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