Prince William Discusses Menstruation, Praised for Helping Erase Stigma

JAKARTA - Prince William has been praised for speaking openly about menstrual health. The topic, which is often considered awkward, came up in his meeting with the recipients of The Diana Legacy Award at the SXSW London Festival.

Quoted from The Mirror, Thursday, June 4, menstruation equality activist Vivi Lin asked if William had ever discussed menstruation with his children, especially his daughter.

"I know one day I will have to talk about it, but maybe I will need my wife's help for that," William said.

The answer is considered important. Vivi, founder of With Red and The Period Museum, said many fathers are still confused when it comes to talking about menstruation with their daughters.

According to Vivi, William's confession can help open a conversation that has often been avoided.

The statement carries a simple message: parents, including fathers, need to understand menstruation.

The conversation then widened to the world of sports. William touched on the importance of understanding the biological cycle of women in competitive sports, including women's football in England.

Vivi said William talked about a football team that started adjusting the training program for female athletes. The goal is for players to perform better according to their body conditions.

According to Vivi, William understands that women's bodies have different cycles. Therefore, the approach to training cannot always be equated with male athletes.

The Mirror reported that William also spoke to Sophie Pender, another Diana Legacy Award recipient. They discussed the role of community in a society that feels increasingly divided.

According to Sophie, William said many people actually have the same basic needs: security, love, happiness, health, and respect.

Vivi added that William referred to community leaders as the "beating heart" of a country.

The chat was also light. William and Sophie discussed Taylor Swift. Sophie received the Diana Legacy Award in 2024 when Swift's song You're On Your Own, Kid was played at the event.

According to Sophie, William said Taylor Swift was as sweet as she looked on social media.

On the other hand, William also highlighted the impact of the digital world. According to Sophie, William said that humans now seem to be more connected, but can actually feel more alienated.

The concern resurfaced when William spoke to Ella Greenwood, a young filmmaker who received a Diana Award. Ella made the documentary Lost Generation about the dangers of the online world for children and teenagers.

William seemed surprised when he heard that a 13-year-old child watched the online murder of US political activist Charlie Kirk.

"A 13-year-old sees this?" William said.

On the same occasion, William also received a mental health guidebook from Diana Chao. They briefly discussed the use of artificial intelligence or AI for mental health.

However, William gave a note. "The use of AI will only be as good as the information you provide," he said.

The Diana Legacy Award is given every two years to 20 young leaders who are judged to have a positive impact on society. This award was created to continue Princess Diana's spirit of social work.