Prince Harry has spoken candidly about the challenges of early fatherhood during a visit to Australia, as he and Meghan Markle continue their four-day tour focusing on mental health, sport, and veterans’ welfare.
On the second day of their trip, the couple visited a Melbourne training ground of the Western Bulldogs, where Harry delivered a speech reflecting on his personal struggles as a parent.
He said he experienced a sense of disconnection during early fatherhood, noting that his wife was “creating life” while he was “there to witness it.” He also spoke about using therapy to address past emotional challenges and to become a better parent.
“From a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids,” Harry said, adding that he had worked to “cleanse” himself of past issues in order to move forward.
The Duke and Duchess, who have two children—Archie and Lilibet—are visiting Australia without them. The couple stepped back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020 and relocated to the United States, citing privacy concerns and financial independence.
Their current visit marks their first return to Australia since 2018, when they announced Meghan’s first pregnancy shortly after arriving in Sydney.
Public reaction to the tour has been mixed. While they received a warm welcome at a Melbourne children’s hospital earlier in the week, some commentators and sections of the public have questioned the purpose of the visit.
Criticism has also emerged over the cost of security arrangements, with reports suggesting Australian taxpayers may bear some expenses, prompting a petition signed by tens of thousands of people.
Unlike previous royal tours, the couple’s visit also includes commercial engagements. Meghan is expected to host a wellness retreat in Sydney over the weekend, featuring yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions, with tickets priced from A$2,699 per person.