Harry and Meghan Australia Tour 2026: Duke of Sussex’s admission about kids Archie and Lilibet during Movember event in Melbourne

Prince Harry offered some “down-to-earth” insight into life as a father of two young children, while discussing mental health at an engagement in Melbourne today.

During his stop at the Western Bulldogs AFL headquarters in Footscray, the Duke of Sussex – who is father to Archie, six, and Lilibet, four – plunged into some difficult conversations about parenting and men’s mental health.

“We talked about becoming a father and what it means for your health and well-being, how you can combine the ideas of modern masculinity with the traditional idea of ​​being the breadwinner,” said Dr. Zac Seidler, Global Director of Research at Movember. Nine.com.au.

Watch the video above.

‘It is something that is very close to his heart.

“I’ve met him a few times and he continues to bring up this topic about taking care of themselves, advocating on behalf of other men to ensure that we break some of this stigma and silence and move towards a world where fathers take care of themselves.”

Despite Harry’s princely status, Seidler – who spoke to the duke at a fatherhood panel organized by Movember – said he felt he was just like any other father going through the process of raising children.

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He described him as a “real down-to-earth guy” with a passion for mental health.

“He was talking about juggling and how important it is to be there as much as possible,” Seidler added.

“He is fortunate enough to be able to work from home and the time he has with his children is so important to him, so there is no doubt he misses them.”

Harry told the panel that there can be a ‘disconnect’ during the early days of fatherhood.

He said he resolved some of this with the help of a therapist.

“I think the biggest tip I got from my therapist in the UK was to be aware of how you feel once the baby is born,” Harry said.

“Every time I went to work and came back, whenever I was stressed, he would start crying as soon as I held Archie.”

The Purple Wiggles, John Pearce and Lachy Gillespie also enjoyed glimpses of the Duke’s musings on fatherhood during the panel at Mission Whitten Oval.

Pearce, who welcomed his own son Henry in 2024, said he found Harry relatable rather than intimidating.

“Hearing his story about his journey in fatherhood really helps us identify as fathers. It reminds us that at the end of the day we are all the same, we all go through the same ups and downs in parenthood,” Pearce said.

“It’s important to remember that there is support and to talk to someone.

“As a man, as a father, you take a backseat and you just keep your emotions to yourself, but it’s a good reminder to talk about it.”

Gillessie, also a father of twins, agrees that Harry’s advocacy for Movember opens the door to vulnerable conversations about men’s mental health.

“Fathers need a community where they can speak out,” Gillespie says.

“At Wiggles we have so many young dads, including myself and Johnny, there are more babies than ever before, so we have our little community.

“But for dads who might not, it’s so important to remember that you can reach someone, and Movember is perfect for that.”

Pearce joked that while Harry didn’t explicitly say his children were Wiggles fans, he “could see it in his eyes”.

The royal family received personalized miniature Western Bulldogs shirts with Archie and Lilibet’s names printed on the back during his visit.

After sitting on a panel, the former working royal headed to the Bulldogs’ training ground and showed off some of his athleticism during a round with players Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and Matthew Kennedy.

The Duke also enjoyed a kickabout with some children, telling one boy: “Good kick, man” and “It’s a slick ball, that one”.

Founded in Melbourne in 2003, the Movember movement is a global charity focused on improving men’s health, particularly in the areas of mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Harry and his wife Meghan will continue their visit to Australia with a trip to Canberra, before returning to Melbourne and then on to Sydney.

– Reported with pool copy

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