Duke of Sussex to attend veterans’ mental health conference

The Duke of Sussex will attend a conference aimed at addressing mental health problems among veterans.

He will listen to speakers including defence minister Tobias Ellwood before meeting some of those giving talks at the event, Kensington Palace said.

The Veterans’ Mental Health Conference, which is taking place at the King’s College London university on Thursday, aims to bring people together to share ideas about how to best support the mental health of former military personnel.

The duke regularly campaigns on mental health issues through his work with the Royal Foundation’s Heads Together project, which aims to promote a national conversation on the topic.

He has also worked with the Ministry of Defence to help improve mental health support and training in the armed forces.

Last year Harry gave the keynote address at the mental health conference, telling delegates that during his military service he had witnessed the suffering of those “struggling to seek out the help they desperately need”.

Harry served two tours of Afghanistan and has gone on to support the rehabilitation of wounded veterans and serving personnel through his work with the Invictus Games, a sports competition for injured or sick servicemen and women.

As well as listening to the opening address by Mr Ellwood, the duke will also listen to presentations focusing on international perspectives on military mental health.

The conference brings together a range of experts including prominent academics and researchers, mental health practitioners and journalists, according to Kensington Palace.

The event is organised by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research.