10 October 2025
Prince William has called for increased awareness and better support for suicide prevention as part of his message for World Mental Health Day.
Prince William champions for suicide support
In a heartfelt video released today, the Prince of Wales spoke with Rhian Mannings, a mother from Cardiff who endured the heartbreaking loss of her one-year-old son George and, just days later, her husband Paul, who took his own life.
Since the tragedies in 2012, Rhian has founded 2Wish, a charity providing support to families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult under 25.
During their conversation, William and Rhian discussed the stigma surrounding suicide and the urgent need to break the silence.
Rhian said: “I was quite surprised by it, I had never been touched by suicide. It was something that happened in the news. Nobody would talk about it or say what happened, and I found that really confusing at the time.”
Reflecting on the pain and unanswered questions, she added: “I will forever go over those last few days with him wondering what I missed. Before we lost George, we were just so happy. And I think this just shows, this can happen to anyone.”
When asked what she would say to her late husband, Rhian replied: “There’s only one thing I would have ever said to him if I had time with him and that would be why didn’t you speak to me? I think I ask myself that every single day… we would have been OK — and I think that’s what the hardest thing is, we would have been OK.”
William emphasised the importance of open conversations about suicide.
He said: “The best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it. Talk about it early, talk about it with your loved ones, with those you trust. So thank you for talking about it.”
The video coincides with the launch of the Royal Foundation’s Suicide Prevention Network, backed by more than £1 million in funding and supported by 20 organisations including 2Wish.
William said: “The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I have had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners to see firsthand their powerful community-based efforts to offer hope and support to those who need it most.”