The Prince William has spoken candidly about mental health, revealing that he takes time to “understand my emotions” and reflect on his feelings.
In a special episode of BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks, the Prince of Wales joined host Greg James for a panel discussion focused on male suicide. He stressed the need for more male role models to speak openly about their mental health, arguing that such visibility would help make conversations about emotional wellbeing “second nature”.
Mental health advocacy has long been central to the prince’s work. His charitable organisation, The Royal Foundation, is committing £1m toward the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Network.
According to the Office for National Statistics, suicide was the leading cause of death among people aged 20 to 34 in England and Wales in 2024. Prince William described the scale of male suicide in the UK as a “real national catastrophe”, suggesting that it is still not discussed widely enough.
Reflecting on his personal approach, he said it is important to regularly check in with oneself and examine the reasons behind certain feelings. He added that mental health crises, while deeply challenging, can be temporary and may pass with time and support.
The prince encouraged people to develop self-understanding and self-compassion, noting that becoming comfortable discussing mental health begins with understanding it. When asked about conversations within his own family, he joked that his children are sometimes very open about their emotions, adding that he values that openness.
He also highlighted the importance of organisations that provide support during difficult periods, describing them as vital stepping stones. Greater awareness and education, he suggested, could help push suicidal thoughts further away by reinforcing the idea that emotional states can change.
The panel featured Allan Brownrigg of James’ Place charity, musicians Professor Green and Guvna B, as well as a young participant named Nathan who shared his experiences.
Professor Green, whose real name is Stephen Manderson, has long campaigned on mental health issues and previously addressed the subject in the BBC documentary Suicide and Me. He said he was eager to take part in the discussion to underline the importance of open dialogue around men’s mental health. The rapper emphasised that such conversations are not only necessary but acceptable, particularly for younger generations who need reliable support networks.
He also praised Prince William’s openness, noting that public figures speaking candidly can help challenge stigma and draw attention to an issue that many people prefer to avoid.
The forthcoming National Suicide Prevention Network will bring together 20 organisations from across the UK and will be chaired by Professor Ann John, a specialist in suicide prevention and public health medicine in Wales. The Royal Foundation has described suicide prevention as a complex issue that requires coordinated action rather than a single solution.
The network aims to improve understanding of the underlying causes of suicide while strengthening support systems for those at risk and for families affected by loss.
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