Prince Harry Shares How Archie Has Inspired Him To Be a Role Model: 'My Son Will Always Be Watching'
The world watched with stars in their eyes as both Prince William and Prince Harry married their true loves. Then, when Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan Markle had their first child, countless fans were waiting to welcome baby Archie into the royal family.
The 34-year-old Duke of Sussex is now a father, and he takes that responsibility seriously, as he shared at a recent event in London.
Harry spoke on Tuesday at the Diana Award National Youth Mentoring Summit, an event held by the Diana Award.
The Diana Award was founded in memory of the duke’s late mother Princess Diana.
According to the Diana Award website, the core focus of this organization is to continue the late Princess of Wales’ work “empowering young people to change the world.”
Since 2011 the organization has also launched an acclaimed anti-bullying program as well as a mentorship program called the “Diana Award Mentoring Appeal.”
In addition to speaking at the Mentoring Appeal’s summit, Prince Harry has also made multiple appearances at their mentoring events.
According to People Magazine, the Summit’s goal is to “bring together young people, industry leaders and experts, as well as business people and government officials to emphasize the importance of mentoring.”
Numerous students were in attendance at the recent event, where they heard Prince Harry speak about the importance of being a role model to those around you.
@DianaAward #NYMS19 #PrinceHarry pic.twitter.com/NnBda3wU3Y
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) July 2, 2019
“I’m struck by a few things today, most of which is the power of the invisible role model,” he said. “The person who may be sitting here today that doesn’t realize that someone looks up to them, that — for that person — you inspire them to be kinder, better, greater, more successful, more impactful.”
Prince Harry also spoke candidly about his new role as a dad.
“Perhaps it’s the newfound clarity I have as a father, knowing that my son will always be watching what I do, mimicking my behavior, one day maybe even following in my footsteps,” he said.
“But it’s not just my role as a father that shows me that; it’s in the people I see every day that don’t realize how inspirational they are to those watching.”
Little Archie is only a few weeks old, yet his impact on the world is already being felt.
Prince Harry also shared about the impact that his mother Diana had on him, as well as the world.
“My mother, Princess Diana, was a role model to so many, without realizing the impact she would have on so many lives,” he said. “You don’t have to be a princess or a public figure to be a role model, in fact it’s equally valuable if you’re not because it’s more relatable.”
“Being a role model and mentor can help heal the wounds of your own past and create a better future for someone else.”
After speaking and commending the attendees for their hard work in their own communities, Prince Harry visited with many of the students and attended a group panel on mentoring.
Tess Ojo, the chief executive of Diana Award, spoke highly of Prince Harry’s involvement in the organization.
“The duke has always been hugely supportive of our mentoring programme but I think that the birth of his own son has bought a new clarity to his thinking,” she told DailyMail. “He can truly see what it means to have a positive mentor in your life.”
Ojo also noted the importance that fatherhood has had on the duke. “When you become a parent, it makes you more aware,” she said. “He knows that having someone to guide you is a privilege that not everyone has.”
In a statement to The Western Journal on Wednesday, Ojo said, “We are delighted to have the support of HRH The Duke of Sussex who has seen our mentoring programme in action. … Too many young people grow up without a positive role model in their lives. We know that mentoring is fundamental to breaking down the barriers of social mobility in the lives of vulnerable young people. Everyone has something to offer — regardless of industry, age or experience.”
Prince Harry shares hopes for Archie’s future as he celebrates Diana’s birthday https://t.co/XpTuFvjyaJ pic.twitter.com/AAxWs9meph
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) July 2, 2019
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that Archie is going to have a role model that understands the importance of investing in those around you.
“From small acts of kindness, to large measures of character – each move that we make matters, especially when we don’t think anyone is watching,” Prince Harry said at the summit. “That is when our true character comes to light.”
The royal family will be celebrating Archie’s christening with a private ceremony this weekend.
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