This month (Mary 2023) we in the UK have an extra bank holiday weekend in light of the coronation of King Charles this week.
However you plan to spend that weekend, and however you feel about the monarchy in general, it’s sometimes useful to note public figures who have been open about their own mental health conditions or been openly supportive of mental health campaigns. So while we’re all queens and kings of our own stories and we reign over our own choices in life, it’s a good time to take a look at royal figures who have experienced mental health conditions or advocated for mental health campaigns over the years.
- Both Prince William and Prince Harry have been open about their struggles with their mental health, particularly in the aftermath of their mother’s death. They have spoken publicly about their experiences with grief, depression, and anxiety, and have advocated for greater awareness and support for mental health. More recently Prince Harry has opened up about mental health boundaries.
- In 2016, Kate Middleton and Prince William aimed to end stigma surrounding mental health with their “Heads Together” campaign, spearheaded by The Royal Foundation. Additionally in 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched Shout, a 24/7 mental health textline service.
- Princess Märtha Louise of Norway has advocated for greater awareness and support for mental health in her own country and worldwide. She said in a statement at the time that she, like us at MQ, is “aware of the importance of research-based knowledge.” She added “there are components of a good life and sound physical and mental health that may not be so easy to sum up in a research report”.
- Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, is aware of her country’s motto “be normal”. On a gap year in 2021, she spoke candidly about her struggles with mental health saying openly that she sees a therapist. She publicly stated “sometimes it all gets too much for me – school, friends – and then I talk to someone”. She sees mental health as important as physical health: “If I need it, I’ll make an appointment… talking to a professional every now and then is quite normal.”
- Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II showed support for mental health awareness and was involved in various initiatives to promote mental health and well-being. For example, in 2019, she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark World Mental Health Day, which brought together people from various mental health organisations to raise awareness and discuss ways to improve mental health support.
- The soon-to-be new British monarch, King Charles, has been vocal about his efforts to promote mental health awareness and support for those struggling with mental health challenges. He has launched several initiatives focused on mental health, including The Princes Trust and Heads Together Campaign which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve access to support for those in need.
We are all valuable members of society, whether we are a member of a royal family or another family or a found family. And when it comes to mental health journeys, we may not receive a crown but we can rule over our own lives and be supportive ambassadors for the well-being of ourselves
Help MQ help all members of society with mental health conditions by supporting us in our vital work.
