Harry says children should be an ‘upgrade’ of their parents

Harry says children should be an ‘upgrade’ of their parents

The Duke of Sussex merged his interests in mental health advocacy and sports by participating in a public event during his short Australia trip. At the launch of a Movember report examining the mental health of fathers with young children, he shared personal reflections on fatherhood and the evolving role of parents in modern times. His remarks emphasized the idea that children today represent a new generation of improved parenting, a concept he framed as a natural progression rather than a critique of past generations.

Harry’s visit included a brief engagement with Australian Rules Football (AFL) players from the Western Bulldogs, where he learned the basics of the sport that holds cultural significance in Melbourne. While Meghan, his wife, was absent from the event and had no planned public appearances on Wednesday, the couple continued their focus on both charitable initiatives and commercial projects during the trip. It is believed Meghan is assessing the potential growth of her As Ever lifestyle brand in Australia.

“The world has transformed significantly, so there’s no version of parenting that will mirror what we experienced as children,” Harry remarked. “I see parenting evolving all the time. Our kids are our upgrades—though that doesn’t mean I was an upgrade of my father or that they are necessarily better than me. It’s about adapting to today’s world, where children need to be raised with new approaches.”

Harry also highlighted the importance of fathers seeking support when facing challenges. “For so many years, it’s been seen as a weakness to ask for help, but I find it’s the opposite,” he said. “The more grief I get for discussing it, the more I want to speak out. If I stay quiet, what does that say to others?”

Movember’s Global Director of Research, Dr Zac Seidler, praised Harry’s involvement in the initiative. “He’s deeply passionate about this cause, and his personal stories, shared with his wife and therapist, brought real insight to the discussion,” Seidler explained. The report revealed that 20% of fathers feel extremely isolated after childbirth, while 60% were not asked about their well-being during the first year of parenthood.

Nathan Appo, the first Indigenous Australian on Movember’s global board, noted Harry’s use of his platform to support global conversations. “It’s hard not to be inspired by someone who uses their influence to promote and empower others,” Appo said. He linked the challenges faced by First Nation communities to the legacy of British colonialism, a history tied to the Duke’s royal lineage over 250 years ago. “Understanding Indigenous histories and their ongoing struggles helps us address health disparities,” he added.

Among the attendees were entertainers Lachlan Gillespie and John Pearce, renowned for their work with The Wiggles. Gillespie commented on Harry’s presence, stating, “It’s important to have someone like him discussing men’s health. The Wiggles have always focused on children for 35 years, but this shifts the conversation to fathers and their mental well-being.”