In a major move to break the silence around men’s mental health, Prince William appeared on a special BBC Radio 1 panel on February 18, 2026. The Prince of Wales joined a group of experts and artists, including rapper Professor Green and grime artist Guvna B, for a deep conversation about suicide prevention and emotional well-being. During the hour-long episode of Life Hacks, the future king shared personal details about his own mental health journey, emphasizing that it is okay for men to be vulnerable.
A Candid Look at Emotional Processing
One of the most striking moments of the discussion occurred when Prince William admitted that he does not always have the answers to his own feelings. He explained that understanding his internal state is often a slow and deliberate process.
“I take a long time trying to understand my emotions and why I feel like I do,” the Prince said. “And I think that’s a really important process to just do every now and again, to check in with yourself and work out why you’re feeling like you do.”
By sharing this, he challenged the old-fashioned idea that men should always be stoic or quickly “get over” their problems. He noted that while some feelings have a clear cause, others do not, and both situations deserve time and attention. He encouraged listeners to be kind to themselves as they navigate these complex moments.
Building a Mental Health “Toolbox”
A major theme of the conversation was the idea of preparation. The Prince explained that no one is born with the ability to handle every difficult situation life throws their way. Instead, he suggested that people should treat mental health like a set of skills that can be improved over time.
“Not one person in this world has all the tools for every eventuality or mental state that is going to come across,” he explained. “I like to go around looking for new tools to put in my toolbox when I might need it.”
He compared looking after the mind to looking after the body. Just as someone might go to the gym to stay physically fit, they should also look for techniques to stay mentally strong. This approach helps to normalize the idea that the brain sometimes needs help and that seeking support is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
The Importance of Male Role Models
The panel focused heavily on why men, in particular, often struggle to speak up. Statistics show that suicide remains a leading cause of death for men under the age of 45. Prince William argued that changing these numbers requires a shift in culture, driven by visible leadership from other men.
“We need more male role models out there talking about it and normalising it so that it becomes something that is second nature to all of us,” the Prince noted.
He was joined in this sentiment by Professor Green, who has been a long-time advocate for mental health after losing his father to suicide. The presence of these high-profile figures serves a specific purpose: it shows that even people who seem to have everything can still struggle with their mental health. When public figures speak openly, it makes it easier for a regular person to “reach out to a mate” and start a conversation.
Reflecting on the Air Ambulance Days
The Prince also drew from his past experiences as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. He recalled how the high-pressure environment of being a first responder took a toll on his well-being. He explained that in those jobs, people often try to keep going by making light of difficult situations, but the emotional “baggage” eventually builds up.
“I feel other people’s pain and that overwhelms me sometimes,” he admitted. “You want to fix it but you can’t necessarily fix some of the stuff and emotionally I find that very challenging.”
He highlighted that it often takes stepping away from a situation or taking a long break to realize how much weight a person is carrying. This part of the discussion resonated with many listeners who work in high-stress industries, from healthcare to emergency services, where the pressure to stay “tough” is constant.
A Message of Hope and Suicide Prevention
Perhaps the most vital part of the Prince’s message was about the temporary nature of a crisis. He emphasized that even the darkest moments can pass if a person can just find the support to make it through to the next day. He believes that education is the best tool for preventing suicide.
“I think that idea that mental health crisis is temporary… if we talk about that more and educate people more, then hopefully the idea of suicide keeps being pushed further and further away,” he shared.
He urged people to remember that feelings can change quickly. A person might feel completely different tomorrow than they do today, as long as they reach out for help.
The Viral Impact of the Discussion
Following the broadcast, the Prince’s comments quickly went viral across social media. Many fans and mental health organizations praised his “toolbox” metaphor and his willingness to discuss his own emotional struggles. Rapper Professor Green noted that the Prince’s openness was “incredibly important” because it shines a light on topics that many people would otherwise avoid.
By using his platform on a youth-focused station like Radio 1, Prince William reached a demographic that is often at high risk for mental health challenges. His involvement with The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network shows that these radio appearances are part of a much larger, long-term commitment to changing how society views mental health.
The discussion served as a powerful reminder that while life can be overwhelming, no one has to carry their burdens alone. The Prince’s final advice to the audience was simple and direct: “It’s OK to ask for support, ask a mate, reach out.”
