Di’s vision lives on with Harry
Depsite years of inner turmoil, the Prince delivers on his promise
HARRY once said: “I want to do something that makes my mother proud. Lucky for me, I’ve got the prince bit so I’m able to make a difference.”
He has continued many of the causes close to Diana’s heart. He co-founded Sentebale, a charity helping vulnerable children in Africa and became patron of the Halo Trust, walking in his mother’s footsteps by visiting minefields in Angola.
“She did not understand why more people were not willing to address the cause of so much suffering,” he said. “Please help me keep her word.”
A veteran of two tours of Afghanistan, Harry also launched the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured servicemen and women, which will be held in Sydney next year. “We can all benefit from positive and inspiring stories from which to draw strength,” he told a crowd gathered to see him in the pouring rain in June.
But it was Harry’s admission this year that he suffered with mental health issues, following his mother’s death that demonstrated just how far the Royal Family had come.
In a series of candid interviews to promote William, Harry and Catherine’s mental health initiative Heads Together, both men addressed their loss and Harry bared his soul.
“I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well,” he admitted.
He said he had been close to a “complete breakdown” and had counselling after “two years of total chaos”.
Georgie Harman, CEO of beyondblue, said Harry and William’s actions would have a positive effect.
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have shown tremendous leadership and strength by speaking about mental health so openly and honestly,” she said.
“It will help people feel more comfortable discussing their own mental health challenges and make great strides towards breaking down the twin viruses of stigma and discrimination.”
The UK’s Mind charity reported a 38 per cent increase in calls the day after Harry spoke so candidly. “It’s inspiring to see Prince Harry speaking out about his experiences. We know that this has had a huge impact on people,” CEO Paul Farmer said.
Heads Together was the main charity for the London Marathon this year and to show their support, William, Catherine and Harry cheered on the runners, dishing out high-fives and hugs as they raced by. “You can feel this is a very personal mission with them,” journalist Sian Williams said.