Brits should lose the 'stiff upper lip', says Prince William

Prince William has called for an end to the "stiff upper lip" culture - a day after his brother revealed he had counselling years after the death of their mother.

The Duke of Cambridge said he wants Prince George and Princess Charlotte to be able to talk about their emotions.

In an interview with charity publication CALMzine he also highlighted the importance of role models opening up about their mental health.

"Catherine and I are clear we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings.

"Over the past year we have visited a number of schools together where we have been amazed listening to children talk about some quite difficult subjects in a clear and emotionally articulate way, something most adults would struggle with.

"Seeing this has really given me hope things are changing and there is a generation coming up who find it normal to talk openly about emotions."

He added: "The recent interview by Stormzy about his depression was incredibly powerful and will help young men feel that it's a sign of strength to talk about and look after your mind as well as your body.

"There may be a time and a place for the 'stiff upper lip', but not at the expense of your health."

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Harry, who was 12 when Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris, admitted going off the rails in his 20s.

He said he had only tackled his grief when he was 28 and faced with the feeling that he was "on the verge of punching someone".

"Losing my mum at the age of 12 and shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has had a quite serious effect on, not only my personal life, but on my work as well.

"It was only three years ago... from the support around and my brother and other people saying 'you really need to deal with this - it's not normal to think that nothing has affected you'."

The Prime Minister said his decision to speak out would help "smash the stigma around mental health", while mental health charity Mind described it as a "true turning point".

Theresa May said: "Mental health problems affect people of all ages and all backgrounds.

"The bravery of those in public positions who speak out about their experiences helps smash the stigma around mental health and will help thousands of people to realise they are not alone."