Is This Prince Harry's Toughest Challenge Yet?
U.S. Invictus wheelchair basketball team members celebrate their gold medal win during the 2016 Invictus Games. Photo by DoD News Feature. Public domain.
Prince Harry has never shied away from difficult discussions, and now, he's taking on one of the most complex conversations of his life: explaining the realities of war and resilience to his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duke of Sussex recently revealed that his young children are naturally curious about his work with the Invictus Games, and their innocent yet probing questions have opened what he describes as "Pandora's box."
What Are the Invictus Games?
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event that provides wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans with a platform to compete in adaptive sports. The Games celebrate resilience, determination, and camaraderie, offering participants an opportunity to rebuild confidence and a sense of purpose. Events include wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, archery, and more, demonstrating the power of sport in rehabilitation and recovery. The Games have grown significantly over the years, expanding to multiple countries and fostering a global community of support for military personnel and veterans.
The Conversation That Started It All
During his time at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Prince Harry shared that his five-year-old son, Archie, has been particularly inquisitive about the athletes participating in the tournament, many of whom are wounded, injured or sick service members and veterans. The Duke explained that once these conversations begin, they lead to more and more difficult questions — ones he can't ignore or simplify.
Archie, in his natural curiosity, has asked questions about why some competitors have missing limbs, why they use wheelchairs, and what a landmine is. Prince Harry acknowledged the challenge of answering these questions in an age-appropriate way, ensuring his children understand the harsh realities while still appreciating the spirit of resilience and determination the Games promote.
Teaching Through Legacy and Sport
For Prince Harry, these conversations are deeply personal. As a former captain in the British Army who served in Afghanistan, he has firsthand experience with the physical and emotional scars of war. In an effort to educate his children in a meaningful way, he recently showed Archie photographs of his late mother, Princess Diana, during her famous landmine walk — a moment that shaped her humanitarian legacy.
Beyond history lessons, Harry hopes that both Archie and Lilibet will develop an appreciation for sports, just as he has. He believes in the power of athletics to teach discipline, resilience, and camaraderie — values that align with the mission of the Invictus Games. As the Invictus Games continue to expand, with the next event set for Birmingham, England, in 2027, Harry remains committed to his role as Founding Patron and is excited to share these experiences with his children.
Family Dynamics and the Road Ahead
Prince Harry's deep involvement with the Invictus Games is one of the many ways he continues to define his identity outside the royal institution. However, despite his passion for the Games and his advocacy for veterans, his relationship with the royal family remains strained. While the Invictus Games celebrate their 10th anniversary, reports suggest that Prince William and Princess Kate played an instrumental role in helping the event gain traction in its early years, as reported by Express. However, their current relationship with Harry appears distant.
The absence of royal family members at recent Invictus Games ceremonies highlights the growing divide. Despite this, Prince Harry remains focused on his work, ensuring that the Games continue to provide opportunities for veterans and service members to heal and redefine themselves through sport.
The Next Generation's Connection to the Cause
As Prince Harry navigates the challenges of parenting in the spotlight, he is also shaping the way his children will understand and engage with the world. Through open and honest conversations, he is ensuring that Archie and Lilibet grow up with an awareness of both privilege and responsibility. While explaining war, injuries, and resilience to young children is undoubtedly difficult, Harry sees it as a necessary step in preparing them to be compassionate and informed individuals.
Looking ahead, the Duke of Sussex is determined to continue fostering a meaningful connection between his family and the values that define the Invictus Games. Whether or not Archie and Lilibet choose to follow in his footsteps, one thing is certain — Prince Harry is committed to ensuring they understand the importance of resilience, respect, and service.
References: Prince Harry Reveals His 'Challenging' Conversation with Archie and Lilibet | Prince William and Princess Kate 'Helped' Prince Harry Get Invictus Games Off the Ground
