Prince Harry has opened up about how his children are “fascinated” by the stories of Invictus Games competitors, revealing the candid conversations he shares with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet about veterans’ injuries.
Speaking at the Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex discussed how his young children, aged five and three, are engaging with the international adaptive sports tournament he founded.
“It’s a very interesting conversation to have with your kids to explain why that person is missing a leg, why that person is missing an arm, why do they look the way they do,” Prince Harry told People.
“It’s challenging but important,” the former British Army captain added.
Prince Harry revealed that his son Archie, in particular, has been asking questions about the competitors’ experiences.
The Duke of Sussex discussed how his young children, aged five and three, are engaging with the international adaptive sports tournament he founded.
Getty
“As any parent knows, once you open that door and those questions are asked, or that conversation starts, more and more doors start opening,” he explained.
The Duke described how his son’s curiosity leads to deeper discussions about conflict.
“And then he starts asking, ‘How did they get injured? What’s a mine? What’s all this?'” Harry shared.
“It becomes opening Pandora’s box, to some extent, especially with kids this age, because they have no filter, and they’re just so curious and so inquisitive!” he added.
“They want to know more, more, more.”
The Duke of Sussex emphasised his commitment to explaining these sensitive topics appropriately to his children.
Getty
The Duke of Sussex emphasised his commitment to explaining these sensitive topics appropriately to his children.
“I’m constantly trying to make sure that I get it right, in explaining what’s happened to [the competitors], and what we do at Invictus to try to make their lives better and give them a chance to redefine themselves,” he said.
Harry also expressed his hopes that sport would play a significant role in his children’s lives.
“I’m hoping that my kids will take on every sport that they want as well, because I think it’s really important for all of us,” the Duke shared.
Prince Harry shared his enthusiasm for showing his children photographs from previous Invictus Games events.
Getty
Prince Harry shared his enthusiasm for showing his children photographs from previous Invictus Games events.
“After we came back from Düsseldorf [for the 2023 Invictus Games] a year and a half ago, I sat down and went through lots of photographs that I had,” he revealed.
The Duke noted how the images of adaptive sports particularly captured his children’s attention.
“They were fascinated to see these guys, careering around the field in wheelchairs, playing basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, everything,” he said.