Oprah Winfrey is joining forces with Prince Harry for TV series on mental health

Erin Donnelly
·Editor

The baby he and Meghan Markle are expecting is due any day now, but Prince Harry has one other special delivery up his sleeve — and it involves Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah Winfrey attended the royal wedding last May. (Photo: Ian West – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Oprah Winfrey attended the royal wedding last May. (Photo: Ian West – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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The royal announced on Instagram today that he has partnered with Winfrey — who was a guest at his May 19, 2018 wedding — on a documentary series for Apple TV. The series, set to debut in 2020, will explore mental health, a subject close to the prince’s heart. The dad-to-be has worked with several mental health charities, and spoken candidly about his own struggles, particularly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Prince Harry is developing a series with Winfrey. (Photo: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Prince Harry is developing a series with Winfrey. (Photo: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

“I truly believe that good mental health — mental fitness — is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self,” he said in a statement. “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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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. “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

The feedback has so far been overwhelmingly positive — though most commenters admitted they were expecting a birth announcement, not news of a TV deal.

“Fantastic news about working with Oprah to highlight this cause,” read one comment. “Hopefully with two great high-profile people many will listen!”

“This makes my heart smile,” added a commenter. “Mental illness can be scary, especially for those who are trying to find ways to deal with it daily.”

“Tears running down my face!” a fan wrote. “This is beyond amazing and will break down so many personal and social walls that surround mental health awareness. Thank you Prince Harry [for] showing us that our weaknesses can bind us together and we can all help one [another] be our best selves.”

The announcement notes that Prince Harry and Winfrey have been working on their collaboration for months — which may explain the yoga bonding sessions the famed talk show host had with his mother-in-law, Doria Ragland, last year.

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