In a new report marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Britain’s Prince William has spoken about Oprah Winfrey’s upcoming show along with his hands on involvement with the project. The upcoming Apple TV+ original series began to take shape, following an impassioned conversation between himself and the American media mogul and humanitarian. Confirming numerous meetings in London with Oprah, The Duke of Sussex says he’s also been helping to select the projects creative team…
From The Telegraph:
The thing that is occupying much of Prince Harry’s headspace right now is mental health. His own, of course, but also everybody else’s, and how much better life is when you look after it. It is the narrative that runs through absolutely everything he does, a subject he is so passionate about that he is currently working on a groundbreaking new documentary series on it with Oprah Winfrey, details of which the Telegraph is able to reveal today.The series will focus on breaking down the stigma and shame surrounding mental illness – showing examples of the “human spirit fighting back from the darkest places,” as the Duke puts it. Alongside Oprah, he is co-creator and co-executive producer on the venture, which will launch on the new Apple TV+ streaming service next year.Admitting struggles with his own mental health following the death of his mother, Prince Harry believes the show could save lives.It is a matter of great importance to the Duke that he gets this right – that the series is meticulously researched and based in fact and evidence, as well as being human and relatable, too. “When I did your podcast two years ago,” he tells me, “the response made me realise what an impact sharing my story could have, and what an impact other stories can have for so many who are suffering silently. 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.”The Duke spoke of the huge responsibility he and Oprah felt they had to such an important subject with the show runners creating an advisory board of mental health professionals.Two years on from the podcast we recorded together, it is easy to forget how genuinely groundbreaking his admission of being close to a “complete breakdown” was. As part of a family that had long reigned with a stiff upper lip, his openness was a watershed moment and gave many people – and in particular, young men – permission to say the previously unsayable.
Oprah Winfrey has a long list of projects in the works for Apple TV+ after striking a multi-year content deal with the company last year. Apple TV+ will launch on November 1st in over 150 countries for $4.99/month.
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