Harry’s bravery

British prince talks openly about denial and, in doing so, may help others deal with grief

Prince Harry talks to medical staff as part of the Heads Together campaign at the London Ambulance Service in central London. Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Celebrity advocacy tends to attract controversy and divide opinion. Some researchers will tell you that attaching a movie star to a worthy cause will not significantly raise awareness of that issue or change its perception among the general public. Many others advocate the opposite view: that celebrity endorsements help to put difficult issues more firmly into the public domain and, in the process, to change lives and conversations.

Britain’s Prince Harry, while not strictly a “celebrity”, has spoken at length of his struggles to come to terms with his mother’s death in 1997. He says he stuck his head in the sand and indulged in “years of chaos” to blot out the pain. His brother, Prince William, has also become involved with mental health work.

By doing so, they are helping to push difficult issues – such as depression, grief and psychological well-being – firmly into the public eye. Indeed, they will almost certainly help others to face their problems and seek professional help.