Prince William says 'disappointment is a part of life' in honest chat about his mental health

The Prince of Wales got candid during a special new discussion with England football stars Harry Kane and Declan Rice...

Prince William says 'disappointment is a part of life', seen here attending the United for Wildlife (UfW) Global Summit
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Prince William said “disappointment is a part of life” in an honest chat about his mental health with England football stars Harry Kane and Declan Rice.  


In recent years the Prince of Wales has been more open than ever about mental health and just a few weeks ago Prince William and Kate Middleton took over a huge radio show as they marked Mental Health Awareness Week. Whilst 2021 saw fans praise the “care and compassion” of the future King for speaking up about the mental health of emergency responders. Now Prince William has got candid once again in a new discussion with England football stars Harry Kane and Declan Rice, hosted by Kelvyn Quagraine. 

In this new episode available on YouTube they opened up about their mental health and what the game has taught them. This enlightening saw Prince William say that “disappointment is a part of life” as he remarked upon how he learnt these valuable lessons from football. 

As reported by OK!, Prince William explained, “You learn by playing a number of times and many other things in life that disappointment is part of life and how you handle it is crucial. Handling some of those really disappointing England results in the past, that was hard, I found that really difficult, because again the same euphoria that we had comes crashing down.”

“You feel high and all together, and then normal life just gets on again,” he added reflectively. 

The Prince of Wales also highlighted the vital work of Shout - the UK’s first and only free confidential 24/7 messaging support service which provides help for those struggling to cope. Earlier this year Prince William and Kate Middleton made fans “tear up” as they raised awareness of this incredible service during Pride Month. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge kicks a football

(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

As the recent discussion continued, Prince William shared that football had inspired and helped him in other ways as well as by giving him a greater understanding of the inevitability of experiencing some disappointment. He said had met “lots of friends” through playing football in his youth and how it “pushed” them together. 

“Some of the greatest friendships are born from playing games and being pushed together in slight adversity,” the senior royal disclosed, adding that when he was at school he looked to Rio Ferdinand for “inspiration”. 

It was then that England football captain Harry Kane spoke about the Harry Kane Foundation which has just launched in partnership with Shout. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge chats to Harry Kane

(Image credit: Photo by Charlotte Graham-WPA-Pool/Getty Images)

“I’ve just launched a foundation which is really exciting for me,” he said. “My aim is to, especially to the younger generation, talk to them and try and provide ways of talking about mental health and wellbeing. The more we talk about it, and open up, it will definitely help solve and hopefully encourage people not to be afraid to ask for help, especially when you are feeling a little bit lower.” 

Organized by Copa90 with the Royal Foundation, Prince William’s honest discussion with Harry and Declan showcased his ongoing advocacy for more awareness and support surrounding mental health. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!