Prince Harry has faced criticism after saying Britain needs to build greater “national resilience” while promoting the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham.
The Duke of Sussex made the remarks during an event marking the one-year countdown to the Games, which will be held in the United Kingdom for the first time since the inaugural competition in 2014.
Speaking to ITV’s This Morning, Harry discussed the determination shown by injured and disabled service personnel taking part in the event.
“I think that when you’re really up against it, how you decide to use that trauma, that experience or that loss, how you use that to really grow that resilience in yourself, I think that’s where people can connect to it,” he said.
Harry added: “And now, more than ever, we need to grow the national resilience here in the UK, but also around the world.”
His comments drew mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning whether he was in a position to offer advice to the British public.
Royal commentator Angela Levin, a frequent critic of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, responded by suggesting that Harry should focus on his own personal challenges.
“I think Prince Harry should work out his own difficulties before telling us Britain needs to develop more ‘national resilience’ as he promoted the Invictus Games in Birmingham,” she wrote on social media.
Levin had earlier shared a photograph of Harry and claimed that he appeared happier when attending events without Meghan Markle.
“Harry always seems much happier if Meghan is not around and he’s playing games,” she wrote.
Her remarks were based on her own interpretation of the Duke’s public appearances and were not supported by any statement from Harry or Meghan.
Harry’s comments were made as he highlighted the purpose of the Invictus Games, which celebrate the recovery, perseverance and achievements of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
