Prince Harry Is Seeking Validation Through His Military Links, Royal Expert Claims
Prince Harry wanted to "break away" as he turned his back on service but kept his military links for self-validation, according to a royal expert.
On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 2024 ESPY Awards. Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for his 10-year military service and founding the Invictus Games. However, several questioned his recent accolade, including Tillman's mother, Mary, who said there were "recipients that are far more fitting."
Richard Kay, a royal commentator and former royal correspondent for the Daily Mail, appeared in the recent episode of the "Palace Confidential" podcast, where he talked about Prince Harry's controversial award when host Jo Elvin asked his opinion on Prince Harry allegedly not finding his niche and appearing like he's "a bit lost."
"It kind of feels like it's been that way for the last four years, I mean he wanted to break away, he did break away, he turned his back on service, but he's sort of umbilically linked if you like still to that same cause because he needs to validate himself," Kay responded.
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"Also, it seems to me the one way he can validate himself is through his military links, and no one is criticizing those," he added. "He was a brave soldier, he did two tours in Afghanistan, but nevertheless the constant reminder of his military connection grates with a lot of people who can't get over the fact he chose to put financial gain and a break from royal tradition ahead of service."
Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces from 2005 to 2015. In 2014, he founded the Invictus Games, a sporting event dedicated to injured veterans, servicemen and women.
Body language expert Judi James examined Prince Harry's gestures when he received the award. James claimed that he showcased a "haunted and terrified-looking eye expression." The expert was convinced that he was "completely aware" of the criticisms surrounding the accolade.
"Harry's body language during his speech suggested his complete awareness of the criticism that had been brewing prior to it," James told The Sun. "Like any good A-list actor accepting an Oscar, he began by looking overwhelmed and shocked though, with a good dollop of humble thrown in. He posed, staring ahead with a haunted and terrified-looking eye expression, standing hunched in what looked like performative disbelief."
