Prince Charles is 'proud' of William and Harry for their work on mental health

Royal family correspondent(wp/es):::

Prince Charles has said he is "proud" of his sons for their work to remove the stigma around mental health.

Speaking at an event to mark the centenary of veterans’ charity Combat Stress, Charles praised “the awful stigma of our society” giving way to a “more positive and caring attitude”.

He added: “The armed forces have made a concerted effort in this regard and so, I am proud to say, have my sons.”

The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, who both served in the armed forces, are founders and patrons of the Heads Together initiative, which raises funds for mental health services

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex also support the campaign. 

Prince Harry has also been the driving force being the hugely successful Invictus Games.

Charles, who served in the Royal Navy, added: “Today our charity is 100 years old. Over time a lot has changed, but the mental health problems veterans can face are the same as they were in 1919.

"We’re on a mission to help every veteran who needs us today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”

The St James's Palace event was in aid of Combat Stress' At Ease appeal, launched in the charity's 100th year as it attempts to raise £10 million.

Then known as the Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Society, the charity launched in 1919 to help men returning from the front line of the First World War. 

More than 2,000 veterans turn to Combat Stress for assistance each year, and 17 per cent of servicemen and women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are predicted to develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

Charles added: “Thousands of servicemen returned from the First World War suffering from a condition which was then termed ‘shell shock’ – but what we now know as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

 “The founders of Combat Stress – then known as the Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Society - took the initiative in May 1919, believing that rehabilitation programmes could help veterans to address their mental health issues. 

“However, I am sure that even they did not anticipate that the charity they created would still be needed a century later, nor that the world would be plunged into conflict so soon after the ‘War to end all Wars’."

He added: "This evening is not so much about recognising the achievements of the past, as highlighting the challenges of the future.  Indeed, the demands on Combat Stress continue to grow: the number of veterans seeking help has doubled over the last ten years. 

“Paradoxically, much of this is positive: the awful stigma our society may have previously attached to mental health issues has, thankfully, given way to a more positive and caring attitude, and veterans are more confident in coming forward to seek help.  

“Nevertheless, the challenge we face is greater than ever before and, as a nation, we have a collective duty to support these veterans and facilitate their recovery – just as we have done in the past. "