Prince William launches campaign after Harry's setback: ‘on your side'

Prince William has taken a crucial step to support an important cause just one day after Prince Harry suffered a brutal blow for his passion project, the Invictus Games.

On Thursday, Kensington Palace shared the Prince of Wales’s next ground-breaking initiative aimed at suicide prevention in the world of sports, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Royal Foundation is collaborating with key figures to launch ‘On Your Side: A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for People in Sport’. Dame Kelly Holmes MBE, Gabby Logan OBE, Jill Scott, and Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny are all ambassadors of the programme.

However, the timing of the launch appears to be interesting as it has not even been 24 hours that Ugandan government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed that the country was pulling out of the Invictus Games “in order not to be construed as being opposed” to King Charles, whom they “deeply revere”.

“You don’t need to be an expert to support someone who’s struggling,” William is heard saying in a voice over on footage released by the Palace.

“You just need to find the courage to have the conversation. If you think someone’s not okay, ask. One conversation can change everything.”

Prince Harry had been vocal about suicide prevention and has also made this a key objective of the Invictus Games. The sporting event is held to offer a space for injured, sick and wounded army veterans. 

William’s campaign is likely to send another blow to Harry’s popularity especially as the Duke of Sussex intended to resume his charitable ventures in the UK. Even if it was unintentional, the timing works in favour of the Prince of Wales.