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 advocacy for mental health with his love for sports during his second day in Australia. At a recent event, he shared personal insights about fatherhood and how modern parenting has evolved since his own childhood. The occasion also featured a session with players from the Western Bulldogs AFL team, a prominent force in Melbourne’s sports culture.
Meghan, the Duchess, was absent from the gathering and has no planned public appearances on Wednesday. A Sussex spokesperson declined to comment on her schedule, leaving her activities unclear. The couple, now operating independently of royal duties, is balancing visits to charitable initiatives with business opportunities, including Meghan’s exploration of expanding her As Ever lifestyle brand in Australia.
Later that day, Harry attended the launch of a Movember report analyzing the mental health challenges faced by fathers of young children. After a warm greeting with “G’day everyone” and a nod to the Bulldogs’ strong season, he reflected on his own journey as a parent. “Parenting has transformed dramatically,” he noted. “Our kids are not just like us—they’re our upgrades.”
“The world around us has changed so much, there’s no way parenting will stay the same as we experienced,” Harry explained. “Even if you had the best upbringing, there’s still room for improvement. I see it as a chance to grow, not a failure.”
Dr. Zac Seidler, Movember’s Global Director of Research, highlighted Harry’s role in promoting the study. “One in five fathers feel extremely isolated after having a child, and three in five aren’t asked how they’re doing in the first year,” he said. “Harry’s stories, shared with his wife and therapist, helped us focus on the need for change.”
“Over 70% of the men we spoke to said they don’t want to father like their fathers did,” Seidler added. “Harry captured that shift perfectly. He’s not just talking about the past—he’s advocating for a new approach to fatherhood.”
Nathan Appo, the first Indigenous Australian on Movember’s global board, praised Harry’s platform. “He uses his voice to empower people worldwide,” Appo said. “Understanding Indigenous histories and the effects of colonialism, which began over 250 years ago, is crucial for shaping better policies.”
Appo, a Mamu man from Far North Queensland, emphasized the importance of connecting with global Indigenous communities. “Building knowledge about these issues helps us address them effectively,” he said. “Harry does that—giving a platform to voices that matter.”
Other attendees included entertainers Lachlan Gillespie and John Pearce, known for their work with Australia’s children’s entertainment sensation The Wiggles. Gillespie noted Harry’s presence as significant. “It’s important he’s here discussing men’s health,” he remarked. “The Wiggles have always focused on children, but this conversation reaches beyond that.”