Prince Harry Just Delivered a Very Personal Speech About Mental Health and the Armed Forces
“Crucially, fighting fitness is not just about physical fitness. It is just as much about mental fitness too."


Prince Harry is continuing his crusade to increase mental health awareness and conversation in the United Kingdom. On Monday, the royal spoke at the Ministry of Defence to kick off a new partnership to help improve mental health in the Armed Forces, ET Online (opens in new tab) reports.
“My 10 years in the army taught me a great deal. I learned about the true meaning of service, duty, resilience and dedication,” Harry said. “But in many ways I have learned more about the sacrifices our servicemen and women make for us all since I left the army and continued my work with the Invictus Games. Having a step back from day-to-day army life has allowed me to think carefully about how we prepare, support, and care for those who wear the uniform.”
Prince Harry speaks this morning at @DefenceHQ about the importance of mental health support for the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/Y01NECur0yOctober 9, 2017
Harry pointed out that mental health is just as vital as physical health, especially for people with high-pressure jobs.
“Crucially, fighting fitness is not just about physical fitness. It is just as much about mental fitness too…We have all seen professional athletes lose races or matches due to unforced errors. It is no different for anyone in high pressure roles.”
Harry, along with Prince William and Kate Middleton, have been great advocates for starting important conversations about mental health through their Heads Together charity. In addition to his work with Heads Together, Harry has dedicated himself to working with veterans, most notably through his Invictus Games.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Brazilian Skincare Brand nativaSPA Is My New Summer Staple
Meet the scented body lotion that leaves me feeling effortlessly fresh all day.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Princess Beatrice's Glastonbury Festival Look Is a Lesson in Casual Summer Dressing
You can shop her affordable pieces, too.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Helped the Crown Princess of Greece With Her Wedding Dress as They Posed for a Portrait
Guest of honor, much???
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein