Prince Harry's recent remarks about discussing landmines with his five-year-old son Archie have drawn sharp criticism from royal commentators, who accused him of exploiting Princess Diana's legacy to gain public sympathy. The controversy erupted after Harry, speaking at the Invictus Games in Canada, recounted how Archie had asked to see footage of his late grandmother walking through a minefield in Angola.
During an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV, Harry described the exchange as an unscripted moment of parental guidance. "It's hard because kids don't always ask the right questions. There's no filter," he said. "You either shut it down right away, which I will never do, or you engage in the conversation and try to explain things." He explained that Archie's curiosity led to a discussion about landmines and their impact on wounded veterans.
The prince added that the conversation took an unexpected turn when Archie became interested in Diana's humanitarian work. "Interestingly, it gave me a chance to talk about my mum, his grandma, which I didn't even really consider," Harry said. "He wanted to see videos and photographs of her out there doing her thing for landmines all those years ago."
Diana's 1997 visit to Angola, during which she famously walked through a minefield wearing protective gear, remains one of the most iconic moments of her humanitarian work. Her efforts helped bring international attention to the dangers of landmines, contributing to a global treaty banning their use.
Harry, who retraced his mother's steps during a 2019 visit to Angola, has long spoken about continuing her legacy. However, some royal insiders were skeptical about his latest anecdote. One former Buckingham Palace staffer dismissed it as a calculated effort to generate sympathy. "I can't believe Harry has trotted out this nonsense to try and get some sympathy votes," the source said. "Talk about exploitative. This conversation just didn't take place. Most five-year-olds want to talk about cartoons and snacks, not geo-politics and armed conflicts in Africa."
Critics also questioned the timing of Harry's comments, pointing out that they came amid persistent speculation about his relationship with Meghan Markle. The couple, who have been living in the United States since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, attended the Invictus Games together before Meghan left Canada early to return to their Montecito home.
Despite the backlash, Harry received support from royal fans, who have begun referring to him as the "People's Prince," a nod to his late mother's title, the "People's Princess." Social media users praised his commitment to veterans and his role in founding the Invictus Games. "To see these service men and women having a newfound purpose in life is something extraordinary to watch," one fan wrote on X. "Bravo to The People's Prince for his commitment to veterans!"
The term has gained traction among Harry's supporters, who see him as a compassionate figure continuing his mother's humanitarian work. "Harry and Meghan are the people prince and princess," another user wrote.
