In his recent documentary “Heart of Invictus,” Prince Harry candidly discussed the trauma he experienced upon his return from Afghanistan. He elaborated on the lack of support he received during that period.
Prince Harry appears to have subtly aimed a critique at the Royal Family through his latest docu-series, “Heart of Invictus.” Within the series, he openly acknowledges grappling with trauma stemming from his return after the 2012 Afghanistan tour. To provide context, it’s important to note that Harry underwent the painful loss of his mother, Princess Diana, in a tragic accident back in 1997, when he was just a young child.
Recently, the Duke of Sussex unveiled that he had long harboured profound, concealed trauma related to his mother’s untimely passing. This previously hidden turmoil, however, resurfaced upon his return from Afghanistan.
Alone After Afghanistan: Prince Harry Finds No Support Following Tour
In his recently unveiled Netflix documentary series, “Heart Of Invictus,” Prince Harry delves into his personal struggles with mental well-being upon his return from the 2012 Afghanistan tour. The series closely follows a group of dedicated service members as they embark on a transformative journey towards a Paralympic-style sports event, a visionary initiative established by Prince Harry himself back in 2014. Reflecting on the aftermath of his tour, Prince Harry candidly shared his experiences of grappling with intense emotions, particularly anger, which were stirred by his return.
During these revelations, Prince Harry conveyed that he confronted challenges in seeking adequate support, a vital network, and professional guidance to navigate the complex landscape of his emotions. He revealed that he was without the necessary framework to truly comprehend his emotional state, explaining that he “didn’t have that support structure, that network, or that expert advice to identify actually what was going on.”
Evidently, his reintegration from the Afghanistan tour acted as a profound catalyst, unearthing dormant traumas linked to the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. This profound episode prompted him to confront unresolved emotions and initiate the journey towards healing.
Notably, Prince Harry recounted a vulnerable moment when he found himself physically and emotionally shattered, recollecting a time when he was “lying on the floor in the fetal position.” It was during such a low point that he began contemplating the idea of seeking therapeutic intervention.
Revealing the Trigger Behind Prince Harry’s Profound Trauma
In what could be interpreted as a subtle critique directed towards the Royal Family, Prince Harry has shared, “Allow me to reflect solely upon my personal journey. During my deployment in Afghanistan in 2012, where I served as an Apache pilot, events transpired that led to subsequent challenges. Following this deployment, a period of disintegration commenced, and the pivotal moment for me emerged upon returning from Afghanistan.”
The 38-year-old Duke disclosed that his most formidable trial arose from the absence of accessible assistance, as he lacked a “support framework, a network, or expert guidance to discern the underlying issues” he was grappling with during that phase.
Simultaneously, he readily acknowledged having suppressed his emotions regarding his mother’s demise, only to confront them much later when his mental well being had substantially deteriorated.
Royal Ambitions Unveiled: Prince Archie’s Aspirations for Adulthood Take Center Stage!
In a particularly poignant moment captured within the series, Prince Harry offers a glimpse into his young son’s aspirations as he envisions his future. While the desires of the young prince appear to evolve frequently, what holds paramount importance for the Duke is the imparting of a significant life lesson to his son, Archie.
Prince Harry shares in the documentary “Heart of Invictus,” reflecting on his conversations with Archie about his aspirations for adulthood. He reveals that on some days, Archie expresses dreams of becoming an astronaut, while on others, a pilot.
Nevertheless, Prince Harry consistently emphasizes to his son that, regardless of his chosen path, the essence of his character holds the greatest significance.
He articulates that the ultimate measure of success lies not merely in the occupation one pursues but in the qualities of one’s character. Prince Harry’s sentiment is clear: he wishes for Archie to embody the admirable character traits exhibited by the individuals participating in the Invictus Games. He goes on to express that both he and Archie’s late mother would find immense pride in witnessing their son embrace the very character traits that are on display before them at the event.
Prince Harry’s remarks were delivered during his address to the audience at the 2020 Invictus Games held in The Hague, Netherlands, last spring. This poignant interaction between father and son encapsulates the Duke’s earnest desire to instill valuable values in Archie, ensuring that he grows up embodying the remarkable qualities exemplified by the inspiring participants of the Invictus Games.
