Prince Harry has released a new video, introducing the Rugby League World Cup mental health initiative ahead of his first outing since his talks with the Queen.
The charter is a five-point initiative aimed at training players, officials and volunteers to look after their own mental health and the mental health of those around them.
In a new video posted to the SussexRoyal Instagram account on Thursday morning to mark the launch of the mental fitness charter, Harry said: “Rugby League isn’t just a sport, it’s a community. And one that takes care of its own.
“For many years, it has been at the forefront of promoting and supporting good mental fitness, working hard to build a positive mindset for everyone involved in the sport. So I am proud to support the Rugby League World Cup 2021 mental fitness charter.
“This charter will build on the brilliant work already happening in rugby league by committing to training and educating all those involved in the tournament, and the wider rugby league family, not only in how they can look after their own mental fitness but also support others to do the same.”
The duke is patron of the Rugby Football League and will host the 2021 draw at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
Harry will remain in the UK into next week, despite rumours claiming he was preparing to fly to Canada to be reunited with Meghan and baby son Archie.
The Queen has agreed to the wish of her grandson and his wife to step back as senior royals, become financially independent and split their time between the UK and Canada.
Reports claim the duke is remaining in the UK to hold further discussions about his future role in the royal family, but Buckingham Palace has released no further updates since the Queen’s personal statement on Monday.
A source told the PA news agency: “The duke has some meetings here early next week.”
Harry’s official engagement on Thursday will see him host the Rugby League World Cup draws for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments.
Prior to the draw taking place, Harry – who was announced as patron of the Rugby Football League in December 2016 – will watch children from a local school play rugby in the palace gardens.
The draws will be streamed live across the royal family and Rugby League World Cup 2021 Twitter and Facebook channels.
The world cup tournament runs from October 23 to November 27 2021 in 17 cities across England, with 16 men’s, eight women’s and eight wheelchair teams from 21 nations taking part.
In another sign that the duke is attempting to carry on as normal, he launched the next leg of his Invictus Games, for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans, with an Instagram video on Wednesday evening which announced the event will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 2022.
In the footage posted on the official sussexroyal account, Harry said: “I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport!
“I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these Games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and an amazing atmosphere.”
