Prince Harry and Oprah to make new Apple TV series on mental health

Harry has shared that he is "incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series". Photos / Getty Images

Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey have teamed up to create a new mental health series for Apple TV.

The 34-year-old prince is "incredibly proud" to have spent several months working with the broadcasting legend on the "vital" shows, which are designed to encourage and inspire viewers to have honest conversations.

In a post on his and wife Meghan Markle's Instagram account on Wednesday, Harry said: "I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series which we have been developing together for several months.

"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."

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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.”

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

Oprah - who was among the guests when Harry and Meghan married last May - agreed to be a part of the venture after the prince told her he felt mental health was one of the "most important issues" in the world.

She told CBS: "I asked [Prince Harry] the question, 'What do you think are the most important issues facing the world right now?' and he said there are two.

"He said climate change and mental wellness, mental fitness and mental health."

Kensington Palace said the series - which will launch in 2020 - will build on Harry'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".