- Duke visited working-class team in Footscray
Prince Harry used to be renowned for letting his hair down – and after meeting a number of Western Bulldogs stars on Wednesday, the former royal was quick to ask where the nearest pub was.
The Duke of Sussex was in suburban Footscray at Whitten Oval to help launch a new report on the importance of mental health for new dads.
The father of Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, took part in a panel discussion with the Movember charity’s Dr Zac Seidler at Bulldogs HQ.
He used the discussion to open up about his personal experience of fatherhood and call for men to take better care of their mental health.
‘It’s the most important and transformational role a guy can ever move into,’ he said.
‘That role… gives you purpose. You want to be the best version of yourself for your kids.’
Prince Harry loves letting his hair down – and after meeting a number of Western Bulldogs stars on Wednesday, the former royal was quick to ask where the nearest pub was
The Duke of Sussex was in suburban Footscray at Whitten Oval after helping launch a new report on the importance of men’s mental health with Dr Zac Seidler from the global charity Movember
Western Bulldogs star Tom Liberatore (pictured, right) didn’t miss the opportunity to inform the Duke of Sussex that the Mona Castle Hotel – which the midfielder happens to co-own – is ‘just around the corner’
The Duke will also attend the NSW Waratahs vs Pasifika Moana rugby union clash at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Friday night
Prince Harry also took time out to rub shoulders with the likes of Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar, with the footy stars impressed at his skills when it came to kicking a Sherrin.
In an Instagram video posted by the AFL club, the Duke asked the stars: ‘Where is the pub?’
Liberatore didn’t hesitate to respond that the Mona Castle Hotel – which the midfielder happens to co-own – is ‘just around the corner.’
Harry also described Aussie Rules footy as a cross between soccer and rugby.
After watching the royal punt the Sherrin once he’d received some tips from Liberatore and Treloar, their teammate Matthew Kennedy is heard saying, ‘He’s a natural.’
Harry’s wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, did not attend the event on Wednesday.
Her absence disappointed some Western Bulldogs players and staff as they are fans of the show Suits, which she previously starred in.
The trip to Whitten Oval isn’t the only footy-based outing the Duke has planned for this tour.
He and Meghan are also scheduled to attend the NSW Waratahs vs Pasifika Moana rugby union clash at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
In stark contrast to the trip to Melbourne’s west, they’ll be entertained in a private box at the boutique stadium in Sydney’s flashy east as guests of Rugby Australia CEO and former Wallabies star Phil Waugh.
The visit marks Harry and Meghan’s first trip Down Under since 2018.
