Elser's piece starts by questioning the perception that Prince Harry has single-handedly led the charge for mental health within the royal family. She notes, "If one didn't know any better, they might assume that it was Harry and only Harry who, within the royal family, had passionately embraced the cause of mental health."
However, Elser argues that this narrative lacks completeness and fairness. She highlights the role of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who seem to have been overshadowed in the mental health conversation. She points out that Princess Kate became a patron of the children's mental health charity, Place2Be, early on. Later, she assumed leadership roles at the Anna Freud Centre and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.
Furthermore, Elser emphasizes that it wasn't just Harry but also William and Kate who, together, utilized their shared Royal Foundation to launch the Heads Together campaign in 2016. Prince William, too, has openly discussed his profound pain following Princess Diana's tragic death, illustrating that he has been actively engaged in addressing mental health issues.
Elser contends, "It was not just Harry but also William and Kate working diligently in the realm of mental health."
In her closing remarks, she adds, "However, all of this is conspicuously absent from 'Heart,' the story that seems to present Harry as the sole royal figurehead reshaping the mental health conversation and reducing its stigma. The contributions of the Prince and Princess of Wales in this endeavor are notably left out."
This critical perspective highlights the need for a more comprehensive portrayal of the royal family's collective efforts in advancing mental health causes.
