Prince Harry has launched today HeadFit, a new tool aimed at helping military personnel struggling with mental health issues and “unlock their potential”. The Duke of Sussex, who started speaking about this project in late 2017, appeared in a video published earlier today to launch this new initiative and explain what it truly is about. 

In the clip, Prince Harry urges military personnel to think whether they are keeping themselves mentally fit as well as physically in shape.

He said: “Today, when we talk about fitness, we don’t just mean how fast you can run or how much weight you can carry.

“This is about mental fitness, strength and resilience, not just while wearing a uniform, but for the rest of your life.

“If you want to be truly fit, strong and healthy, you need to train your mind and body as one.  

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“Some people run, others swim, cycle or lift weights in order to be physically fit.

“But what do you do to stay mentally fit?

“Think about what you can do to unlock your potential, and to perform at the highest level.”

HeadFit has been developed over the past several months in partnership with Heads Together, a campaign launched by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Prince Harry in May 2016 to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

The Ministry of Defence and King’s College London have also played an important part in the development of HeadFit, as well as Dr Vanella Moulton who offered her clinical advice.

This project was due to launch in June but it was brought forward to help those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This move was appreciated by Johnny Mercer, Tory MP for Plymouth Moorthe and Defence minister.

Highlighting how important it is to support military personnel during the pandemic, Mr Mercer said: “We train our armed forces to be both physically fit and mentally fit.

“And right now mental resilience has never been more important as our defence community works tirelessly to support the UK’s public services during the coronavirus pandemic.”

On HeadFit, military personnel can find tools helping with stress and anxiety as well as breathing and relaxation techniques to be embedded in their everyday lives. 

Prince Harry, who served in the Army for 10 years and became a champion of veterans and injured military personnel after shifting to a full-time working royal, first visited the Ministry of Defence in Central London in October 2017 to speak about this project. 

The Duke of Sussex, who relocated to Los Angeles in late March before officially stepping down as senior royal, issued a statement alongside with the video.

He said: “HeadFIT has been almost three years in the making, and I am extremely grateful for everyone who has been on this journey with us.

“Everyone who has worked on it, to create what we have today, should be incredibly proud and excited for the impact it will have.

“I’ve long believed the military community should lead the way for the rest of society.

“For too long we have been waiting for problems to arise and then reacting to them. 

“HeadFIT is a proactive approach to mental fitness, focusing on our own potential to increase our performance, using proven methods in sport science.

“This is about optimisation of self. This is about being the best you can be.

“This is about gaining an advantage, whether facing an opponent or overcoming a challenging situation.

“This is about building resilience that will match that of most world class athletes and prepare you for everyday stress.

“To be HeadFIT, is to be at your peak performance.”       

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