Prince Harry Opens Up About Past Trauma and Mental Health Struggles
In a candid revelation, Prince Harry has shared some of the deep-seated trauma he faced during his time serving in the British military. The Duke of Sussex, aged 38, discussed his experiences in his recently released Netflix docuseries, “Heart of Invictus,” which started streaming on August 30th.
Harry, who served in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot in 2012, explained that the pivotal moment of unraveling for him happened after returning from Afghanistan. However, the root of his struggles traced back to a tragic event from 1997 when he lost his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12 due to a car crash in Paris. Despite his young age, Harry didn’t grasp the extent of the emotional turmoil he carried since mental health was not a topic of discussion within the royal family during his upbringing.
The absence of a support system made Harry’s battle even tougher. Reflecting on his ordeal, he admitted, “The biggest struggle for me was no one around me really could help. I didn’t have that support structure, that network or that expert advice to identify what was actually going on with me.” Harry stressed the importance of seeking help and destigmatizing therapy, stating that many only consider it when they’re in a vulnerable state.
From Soldier to Invictus Games Creator
Prince Harry’s dedication to the military has been unwavering even after his retirement from the British Royal Army in 2015. Serving for a decade, he was inspired to create the Invictus Games in 2014. This global event brings together wounded and sick soldiers and veterans to compete in various sports. Harry’s aim is to provide year-round support through the Invictus Games to those who need it.
In his Netflix series, “Heart of Invictus,” Harry delves into his time as a soldier. He participated in two tours of duty in Afghanistan, with the first tour ending prematurely due to a leak of his deployment details in 2008. Sharing his raw emotions, he recounted a distressing incident during a flight home where he witnessed the aftermath of war injuries. This experience deeply impacted him, leading to a realization of the profound cost of war on individuals and their families.
A Personal Journey and a Royal Legacy
“Heart of Invictus” is part of the multi-year deal between Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle, and Netflix. The series showcases the stories of participants in the 2022 Invictus Games, along with Harry’s journey in creating and organizing the competition. The Duke of Sussex, who shares two children with Meghan, openly discusses his life as a soldier and the challenges he faced.
While Prince Harry may not ascend to the throne, he has charted his own unique path as a philanthropist, father, and military veteran. His commitment to raising awareness about mental health struggles, the impact of war, and the importance of support systems has shone a light on these critical issues.
In a recent development, Prince William has taken over Prince Harry’s former military unit, as Harry and Meghan withdrew from their royal duties in 2020. This transition reflects the ongoing connection between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces during King Charles III’s reign.
Prince Harry’s journey serves as a reminder that even those in positions of power and prestige can face profound challenges, and that seeking help is a sign of strength.