Prince William has shared a candid message aimed at young people as concerns continue to grow around mental health and suicide among young men in the UK.
The Prince of Wales appeared on BBC Radio 1 Life Hacks for a special episode, choosing the platform specifically because of its strong youth audience. His interview followed the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Network by The Royal Foundation.
Speaking openly, William reflected on his own emotional struggles and why self awareness matters. He said he regularly takes time to understand his feelings and encouraged young people to do the same.
“I take a long time trying to understand my emotions and why I feel like I do,” he said, adding that checking in with yourself is an important habit. He also stressed that mental health crises are often temporary and can pass, even if they feel overwhelming at the time.
William underlined the importance of emotional literacy for the next generation, describing emotions as wide ranging and sometimes uncomfortable. He told listeners that feeling unsettled or confused is part of being human and should not be ignored.
The father of three also addressed the gap between generations when it comes to discussing mental health. He said previous generations often stayed silent, shaped by the experiences of war and hardship, and unknowingly passed that silence down.
But he was clear that young people should not repeat that pattern. “You have to talk about your emotions,” William said. “You can’t just bottle them up and pretend they don’t exist because that’s when it all goes wrong.”
His words are backed by action. The Royal Foundation has committed £1 million to support the National Suicide Prevention Network, reinforcing William’s long standing focus on mental health and support for young people.
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