Prince Harry has reflected on the “messy” personal struggles he faced before becoming a father as he revealed therapy has played a vital role in preparing him for parenthood.
Speaking during a visit to Melbourne at an event organized by men’s health charity Movember, the Duke of Sussex said he wanted to work on issues from his past so he can be the best version of himself for his children.
King Charles’ son further explained that seeking professional help allowed him to process past experiences and become a father with a healthy mindset before welcoming Prince Archie and later Princess Lilibet in 2019.
“Certainly from a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids,” she began, adding, “And I knew I had some things from the past that I needed to deal with and so, basically, prepare myself to free myself from the past.”
Harry shared how his doctor before Archie’s birth told him to “just be mindful of how you feel after the baby is born,” before admitting he initially felt “disconnected.”
“My wife was the one building the life and I was there to witness it,” he said.
“For dads and soon-to-be dads: Yes, it’s messy. You will have a rollercoaster of emotions — and don’t judge yourself,” Harry continued.
Speaking about Movember’s work, Harry said he hoped it would “give anyone the confidence to know that what you’re feeling is replicated in most individuals.”
He said, “There’s a growth happening here, and I think the more people come forward and talk about it, the bigger these numbers will be because these numbers are remarkable and very telling in a culture where it’s not really talked about.”
