Hero Harry?

Is the Duke of Sussex’s Military Image Now Closer to Myth than Reality?

I think the time has come to discuss Prince Harry’s now problematic (in my opinion) relationship with military and veteran’s causes. This newsletter has been on my mind for awhile but it’s been a difficutlt one to write because I am conflicted and it’s a difficult and emotive subject. But after recent events, including the Invictus Games, here we are.

First, a little context on why I feel so conflicted about this. You may find this hard to believe but I used to be a huge fan of Prince Harry. He was actually my favourite royal! At the time, I thought he was doing some incredible things with Invictus and with his other work for veterans. I genuinely thought “wow, this guy is on a path to being someone really amazing and doing great things”. However, in the past few years something has definitely shifted.

It now feels like military causes have become little more than a prop for Harry’s ailing popularity and no longer the true passion to do good that they once were. The genuine feeling has gone, replaced with a superficial Hollywood veneer. It feels like “Military Harry” (now all I can think of is beach Ken from the Barbie movie but with Harry’s face saying “my job is Army!”. 😂) is now a brand rather than a person with a genuine passion. All of which makes me incredibly sad and more than a little angry.

I would like to make it clear that I have tremendous respect for veterans. It is an area that is incredibly close to my heart. I have seen first hand the effects that military service can have on a veteran and their family. I would never minimise Harry’s or any other veterans service.

Military service is a sacrifice that deserves immense respect, appreciation and admiration. What it should never be is a shield used to protect you from criticism. Or a crutch for your failing reputation. It is not is a “get out of jail free card” for bad behaviour. And where it really crosses the line for me - other veterans and their sacrifices should never, ever be used to further your own goals and ambitions and for your financial gain. Especially with minimal effort and output on your part. And sadly, this is where I feel we have arrived at with Harry.

I don’t write this lightly or without multiple examples of this behaviour from him. Here are just a few of the most glaring examples from the past few years…