Prince Harry’s first official engagement since Megxit bombshell

Prince Harry has urged men suffering from mental health problems to avoid ‘grinning and bearing it’ during his first official royal engagement since the Megxit bombshell.

The Duke of Sussex made the impassioned plea for men to talk about depression just days after a crisis summit with the Queen at Sandringham in the wake of his decision to quit senior royal duties and move to North America. 

‘It is not just about being physically fit but more importantly mentally strong,’ Harry, who has admitted his own mental health demons previously, said. 

In a message recorded for the launch of the Rugby League World Cup coinciding with a Mental Fitness Charter initiative, the Duke said: ‘Rugby League isn’t just a sport, it’s a community. 

‘The perception of rugby league is that you need to be tough, you can’t show your feelings, you need to “grin and bear it”.

‘But something like the Mental Fitness Charter will help us make real progress in getting rid of the stigma associated with mental illness and remind people that it is not just about being physically fit but more importantly mentally strong.’ 

The Prince added: ‘So, I am proud to support the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Mental Fitness Charter.

‘This Charter will build on the brilliant work already happening in rugby league by committing to training and educating all those involved in the tournament, and the wider rugby league family, not only in how they can look after their own mental fitness but also support others to do the same.’ 

In a message recorded for the launch of the Rugby League World Cup coinciding with a Mental Fitness Charter initiative, the Duke of Sussex said: ‘Rugby League isn’t just a sport, it’s a community