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Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey To Make Wellness TV Show on Apple

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Harry says the new show ‘will be positive, enlightening and inclusive—sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places.’

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For anyone wondering just what new avenues the split between the courts of Harry and Meghan and William and Kate might open up, fresh evidence emerges today in the shape of news that Prince Harry is to partner with Oprah Winfrey to make a new television series about mental health and wellness for Apple TV.

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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.”

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Oprah is a friend of Meghan’s from the Hollywood circuit and was a guest at last year’s royal wedding.

Harry’s role as executive producer was revealed in an Instagram post on his new account where the project was unveiled. He is also likely to be a star interviewee on the show.

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Harry has spoken at length about the extreme mental health difficulties he faced in the aftermath of his mother’s death; first as a child but also as a young man in his twenties, when, he said, he felt his life was at risk of descending into “chaos” as he battled his demons.

It was in large part the trauma of coping with his mother’s death that inspired Harry to set up the Heads Together charity, with his brother, focused on mental health.