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Dream Team! Oprah and Prince Harry Team Up for a Very Special Project

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Mental health is a subject close to the heart of both Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey. So when we learned that the two were coming together for an exciting documentary series back in April, the expectations were high.

Now, the Duke of Sussex has finally been revealing more details of the exciting project in an interview with podcast host and journalist Bryony Gordon for The Daily Telegraph.

Harry revealed the series will unveil examples of “human spirit fighting back from the darkest places.”

Prince Harry had previously sat down with Gordon for her podcast back in 2017, where he opened up about his struggles to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy that impacted his childhood and his life. He spoke candidly about his mental health and the trauma he suffered after his mother Princess Diana died 22 years ago.

Speaking with the reporter once again on September 19, the Duke said, “When I did your podcast two years ago the response made me realize what an impact sharing my story could have, and what an impact other stories can have for so many who are suffering silently.”

Inspired by the response to that 2017 chat, Prince Harry has high hopes that the feedback for the upcoming series with TV icon Oprah Winfrey, which is coming to Apple TV+ next year, will be just as positive.

“If the viewers can relate to the pain and perhaps the experience, then it could save lives, as we will focus on prevention and positive outcomes.”

Harry has also revealed that he and Oprah have had many meetings and “are assembling subject matter experts” to guide the series.

“The facts and science exist and we deserve to know it all,” he said.

Harry and Oprah will serve as co-creators and executive producers of the mental health series and will include Kahane Cooperman (former co-executive producer of The Daily Show with John Stewart) at the helm and will be produced and directed by Dawn Porter (director of Bobby Kennedy for President) and Asif Kapadia (the filmmaker behind biopics Senna and Amy).

Taking to the official Sussex Royal Instagram account back in April, the palace announced, “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.

View this post on Instagram

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

“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 post was accompanied by a quote from the Prince himself, who said, “I truly believe that good mental health — mental fitness — is key to powerful leadership, productive communities and purpose-driven self.

“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 ended by saying he was “incredibly proud” to be working with Oprah on the series.

Oprah commented on the post shortly after it was posted, responding to Harry’s clear passion for the project.

“Delighted to be partnering with you. Hope we shed a lot of light. And change some lives!” she wrote.

Oprah has long been known as a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, having attended their wedding back in May 2018, as well as striking up a friendship with Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland, who is based in LA.

Oprah has given some insight into the friendship herself — in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed that Doria had come to her house where they had discussed doing yoga together.

There have also been talks of a new interview between the pair — something we’ve been keeping our fingers crossed for!

But until then, we’ll have Oprah and Harry’s new series to look forward to. The documentary series will launch on Apple in 2020.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.

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