Prince Harry Opens Up About Confronting His Past Before Fatherhood

Prince Harry is reflecting on the emotional work he undertook before becoming a father, revealing how therapy helped him confront unresolved issues from his past as he prepared to raise his children with Meghan Markle and build a healthier future for his family.

Prince Harry is speaking candidly about the personal steps he took before entering fatherhood, offering a rare look into how therapy shaped his mindset ahead of welcoming his children with Meghan Markle.

A Candid Moment in Australia

During a visit to Melbourne, Australia, on April 15, 2026, the Duke of Sussex took part in a Movember event centered on fatherhood and mental health. The organization, founded in Melbourne in 2003, focuses on men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

At the event, Harry joined Movember’s global director of men’s health research, Dr. Zac Seidler, for a discussion that turned deeply personal. The prince, now 41, spoke openly about how therapy played a key role in preparing him to become a parent.

“Certainly from a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids," he said. “And I knew that I had stuff from the past that I needed to deal with and therefore, prepare myself to basically cleanse myself of the past."

Preparing for a New Chapter

Harry explained that his decision to seek therapy before the birth of his first child, Prince Archie, now 6, was intentional. He wanted to address unresolved issues so they would not carry into his parenting.

The Duke has long been open about his struggles with mental health and the lasting effects of his upbringing in the public eye. His comments in Melbourne reflect a continued effort to break generational cycles and approach fatherhood with greater awareness.

Rather than waiting until challenges arose, Harry said he chose to confront his past head-on. That process, he suggested, allowed him to step into his role as a father with more clarity and emotional readiness.

Advice From His Therapist

Ahead of Archie’s arrival, Harry recalled a piece of guidance that stayed with him. His therapist encouraged him to pay close attention to his emotions once the baby was born.

Before Archie's birth, Harry said his therapist told him to "just be aware of how you feel once the baby is born.”

That advice proved significant in the early days of fatherhood, when Harry found himself navigating unfamiliar emotions.

Early Feelings of Disconnection

Despite his preparation, Harry admitted that the transition was not without challenges. He described feeling a sense of distance during the initial period after Archie’s birth.

The Duke noted that he felt a "disconnection" in the early days, explaining, "My wife was the one creating life, and I was there to witness it."

A Broader Conversation About Men’s Health

Harry’s remarks came in the context of a Movember event, reinforcing the organization’s mission to encourage open conversations about men’s mental health. His willingness to discuss therapy and vulnerability aligns with the charity’s focus on breaking stigma.

The Duke has consistently used public appearances to advocate for mental health awareness. His comments in Melbourne fit into a larger pattern of encouraging men to seek help and speak openly about their struggles.

By connecting his personal journey to the topic of fatherhood, Harry underscored the importance of emotional preparation and self-awareness for new parents.

Life With Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet

Harry and Meghan Markle are parents to two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, now 4. The couple has often emphasized their commitment to raising their children in a supportive and emotionally healthy environment.

While Harry did not go into detail about his current family life during the event, his reflections suggested that the work he did before becoming a father continues to influence his approach today.

His comments also offered insight into how his relationship with Meghan played a role in his perspective. By acknowledging her role in the early days of parenthood, Harry highlighted the shared yet distinct experiences of both parents.

As Prince Harry continues to speak publicly about these issues, his perspective may encourage others to take similar steps, especially those preparing to become parents themselves.