Harry says children should be an ‘upgrade’ of their parents
Harry says children should be an ‘upgrade’ of their parents
Prince Harry has merged his two interests—mental health advocacy and sports—during his short trip to Australia. The Duke of Sussex took part in a casual session with players from the Western Bulldogs, an Australian Rules Football (AFL) team, to demonstrate the sport’s appeal in Melbourne. His remarks centered on the evolving nature of fatherhood, reflecting personal insights from his own journey as a parent.
Reflecting on parenting evolution
Harry shared heartfelt observations about his experience as a father, emphasizing the shift in how parenting is perceived today. “The world has changed significantly, so there’s no way parenting will be the same as what we experienced,” he remarked. “Our kids are our upgrades,” he added, acknowledging that while this view contrasts with his upbringing, it represents a modern perspective.
“Even with the best parenting, there’s always room for improvement,” Harry stated. “I see the role of fathers evolving constantly, and it’s important to embrace that change.”
His comments resonated with the Movember charity’s findings, which revealed that one in five fathers feel extremely isolated post-childbirth. During a report launch in Melbourne, Harry highlighted the need for fathers to seek support, countering the stigma of vulnerability. “For so long, it’s been seen as a weakness to ask for help,” he noted. “But the more I speak about it, the more I feel it’s a strength.”
Dr Zac Seidler, Movember’s Global Director of Research, praised Harry’s involvement, calling it “great” for raising awareness. “He shared real stories from his own life and therapy sessions with Meghan, showing a deep commitment to change,” Seidler explained. “The report shows that over 70% of fathers don’t want to raise kids the same way their own parents did, which reflects a major shift in generations.”
Advocating for policy change
Nathan Appo, the first Indigenous Australian on Movember’s global board, praised Harry’s platform for amplifying global causes. “He’s using his influence to empower people and push for progress,” Appo said. “Understanding Indigenous histories and the challenges they face is vital to shaping better policies.”
Appo, a Mamu man from Far North Queensland, linked these issues to the legacy of British colonialism, a system his ancestors helped establish over 250 years ago. “Connecting with Indigenous communities worldwide helps highlight how historical impacts shape health outcomes today,” he added.
Engagement with Australian culture
Harry’s visit also included a meeting with entertainers Lachlan Gillespie and John Pearce, well-known for their work with The Wiggles. Gillespie remarked on the significance of Harry’s presence. “It’s important to have someone like him addressing men’s health,” he said. “The Wiggles have always focused on engaging children for 35 years, and this expands that mission to include fathers.”
