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As a person who has experienced deep sorrow at a young age, Prince Harry is aware of the importance of mental health.
The 34-year-old Duke of Sussex spoke frankly about his experience before a crowd of thousands gathered at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Saturday in Sydney, Australia. Harry, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, founded the Paralympic style competition four years ago to honor veterans and wounded soldiers around the world.
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Prince Harry
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The future father began his speech by congratulating the athletes for their "example of determination, optimism, strength, honor and friendship, or as the Australians call it, the comrade ", describing it as" a fundamental value that has the power to inspire. "
He then pointed out what their stories mean for people who have never gone to battle, but who may be fighting in their own intense struggles.
"In a world where negativity is too big a platform, our competitors Invictus – many of whom have had a second chance to live – are doing extraordinary things," he said.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
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"They call themselves heroes. They are labeled as legends. They are called superhumans. Now, of course, all these things are true! Right? Well, I think the real power of their example lies in the fact that they are not superheroes. Sorry to tell you about it! He joked.
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"What they realize is neither impossible nor magic," Harry continued. "You have seen this happen before your eyes because these competitors have done it. It was men and women who took up a challenge and overcame it. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things … We can all aspire to that. "
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Samir Hussein / WireImage
Then the prince began to become emotional.
"This is nowhere more true than in the field of mental health," he insisted. "By simply being here and fighting some of the darkest experiences known to all, you have become role models for everyone, at home or in the stands, who may be dealing with emotions or mental illness … You show that everything is fine for you to be well. And most importantly, you show us all that it is normal to ask for help. "
To conclude, he described himself as someone who has faced such challenges.
"I've been there, you've been there, and now we have to reach out to those who can not even imagine here," he said. "When you accept a challenge, it's real, you can have hope. When you understand your vulnerability, you can become strong. When you are brave enough to ask for help, you can be high. You can start living, doing, feeling – not just surviving. "
Harry had previously stated that he had lived with grief after the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
"I can say without fear that losing my mother at the age of 12, and thus ending all my emotions in the last 20 years, has had a pretty serious effect not only on my personal life, but also on my work, "he said. The telegraph. "It's been 20 years since I thought about it and two years of total chaos."
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Meghan Markle
Samir Hussein / WireImage
Meghan Markle, 37-year-old Harry's wife, shared a similar message with the participants in her surprise speech, and expressed her fear of her husband's efforts to create an inspiring event.
"It's such an honor to be here tonight with all of you and to support my husband at the Invictus Games, which he founded four years ago," she began. "In a short time, games have evolved to become an international platform that brings together some of the best sports and athletics you can ever see."
Then she recounted how moved she was by a veteran who kissed her enthusiastically last week.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Karwai Tang / WireImage
"The Novak family in Chicago is a great example of that," said Meghan. "When their son Ryan was seriously injured, leaving him paralyzed from waist to leg, the doctors told him that he could never walk again. But after talking to her mother, Karri, it was clear that it was thanks to Ryan's strength of mind and the unwavering support of his parents that he was able to prove that all these doctors were wrong.
Meghan continued, "Not only did Ryan compete in sailing, swimming and track and field this week, but when Harry and I saw him at the finish line of the sailing competition he literally jumped into our boat – with dexterity and ease, by the way – to give us a hug to both.
"Seeing Ryan's mother on the water that day, waving a flag to encourage it, was a moment I will never forget," Meghan remembers.
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