Rizna Mutmainah
Caring

Queen Mary launches new podcast on loneliness

Queen Mary has launched a new podcast focused on helping the most vulnerable in society. 

The royal revealed the new venture on Instagram, through her official charity, the Mary Foundation. 

The three-episode podcast, called the Lonely Youth series, will focus on those experiencing social isolation giving "insight into the nuances of loneliness by mixing professionalism and personal stories from young people".

The launch of the podcast follows a landmark survey across Denmark that was conducted in 2023 and found 73 per cent of 16-19-year-olds experience loneliness, regardless of whether they are alone or in the company of others. 

It also found that 17 per cent  of 16-24-year-olds feel very lonely.

The proportion of people in Denmark who experience loneliness has increased dramatically since the first national survey in 2013, which has inspired the Queen of Denmark to take action. 

"These are heavy numbers that we must do something about," Queen Mary said.

"Podcasting is not something that we have much experience with yet at the Mary Foundation, but I hope that you will listen and welcome it," she added.

She also said that she was "proud" to be starting the podcast through her own foundation as she is an avid listener of podcasts herself, especially  "when I have to go from one place to another".

"Some days I'm in the mood for entertainment, and other days I use it to gain knowledge and new input," she said.

The release date of the podcast has yet to be revealed and it is unclear whether the royal herself will speak across the episodes. 

The podcast will be shared via the Mary Foundation website and other podcast platforms. 

Queen Mary's foundation focuses on three core areas: bullying and wellbeing, loneliness and domestic violence, and was launched in 2007.

Images: The Danish Royal Household/Mary Foundation

Tags:
Caring, Health, Queen Mary