In a statement announcing the collaboration, the husband of Meghan Markle expresses hope that the series will share 'global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places.'

• Apr 11, 2019

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry is partnering with Oprah Winfrey on a television series tackling the subject of mental health.

The British royal announced the news on Wednesday, April 10 via the Instagram account for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to the statement, Prince Harry and Winfrey, a guest at his wedding to former actress Meghan Markle, have been working as co-creators and executive producers on the series, which will launch on Apple TV+ in 2020, for several months.

"I truly believe that good mental health - mental fitness - is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self," he wrote in the statement. "It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times."

Harry has championed mental health initiatives for several years, including launching his own charity Heads Together, with brother Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in 2016 to help people in the U.K. and Commonwealth to access support.

"Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive - sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better," he added. "I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series."

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We are excited to announce that The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020. The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform. The dynamic multi-part documentary series will focus on both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive. This commitment builds on The Duke of Sussex’s long-standing work on issues and initiatives regarding mental health, where he has candidly shared personal experience and advocated for those who silently suffer, empowering them to get the help and support they deserve. His Royal Highness has spent many years working with communities throughout the UK and young people across the Commonwealth to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and broaden the conversation of mental wellness to accelerate change for a more compassionate, connected and positive society. Quote from HRH: “I truly believe that good mental health - mental fitness - is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive - sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Apr 10, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

Harry has spoken openly about mental health issues in the past, revealing in 2017 that he received counselling following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.

There are reportedly no immediate plans for the Duchess of Sussex to be involved. Meghan, 37, is due to give birth within weeks, following the couple's move to Frogmore Cottage, their new home on the Windsor estate in England, this month.

Last month, Winfrey announced her partnership with Apple TV+ and said it offered a "unique opportunity" to tackle the "daunting challenges of our time".