Prince Harry has shared a subtle new insight into his decision to quit his role as a senior working royal, revealing that he believes quitting a job for the sake of your mental health should be “celebrated”.
The Duke of Sussex made the revelation when he sat down to discuss his role as Chief Impact Officer for San Francisco-based company BetterUp, a role he began in March.
The company provides mental health services and coaching to businesses and individuals in the US, playing into Harry’s passion for mental health causes.
Discussing the recent trend of burnout and resignations amid the coronavirus pandemic, Harry said that we should be supporting workers who leave roles to better their mental wellness.
Prince Harry has shared a subtle new insight into his decision to quit the monarchy.
(Getty)“While on the surface it looks like these last couple of years brought all these issues to the foreground, the reality is these struggles and issues have been brewing for quite some time,” he told Fast Company.
“We’re just at the beginning of the mental health awakening,” the duke continued, adding that “people are finally paying attention” and he wants to continue building awareness.
He went on to say that his work with BetterUp has showed him that many job resignations in the US – and abroad – “aren’t all bad”.
“In fact, it is a sign that with self-awareness comes the need for change,” he said.
“Many people around the world have been stuck in jobs that didn’t bring them joy, and now they’re putting their mental health and happiness first. This is something to be celebrated.”
The royal went on to say that he’s focused on driving advocacy and awareness in the mental health space through his work with BetterUp and hopes to encourage more social change.
While some critics have challenged his comments by pointing out that Harry has never worked a “real job”, others spotted a connection between his stance and his royal exit in 2020.
When he and wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex announced their plans to step down from their roles as senior royals in January of that year, they made it clear that mental health played a role in their decision.
Harry told James Corden during a TV appearance in February 2021: “It [royal life] was a really difficult environment, as I think a lot of people saw.
“We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health. So I did what any husband, and what any father would do… ‘I need to get my family out of here’.”
Meghan opened up about her own mental health in March, during her and Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The Duchess of Sussex revealed that she experienced a period of suicidal ideation during her time as a senior working royal and claimed she received little support from the institution.
Harry shares his passion for mental health with wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
(Getty)“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. That was clear and real and frightening and constant thought,” she told Oprah.
Both royals have since asserted that leaving the monarchy has allowed them the space to focus on their own mental health.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
