Harry urges NATO to focus on veterans after military service

Prince Harry told NATO’s Military Committee that leaving the British Army left him feeling he had lost part of his purpose and identity, and urged military leaders to give greater attention to service members’ lives after they leave the forces. In a video address to the committee in Brussels, he described the Invictus Games as a way he found to continue serving and supporting veterans. Harry said the transition out of military life can be difficult, particularly for people returning wounded, injured or sick. He urged leaders to think as seriously about what happens after service as they do about preparing personnel for it. His account of losing a sense of purpose after leaving the Army was his own; the address did not establish how widely that experience is shared among veterans. Harry said he was fortunate to have another way to serve through his work with Invictus. The foundation’s Games use sport as a tool, he said, while its broader aims include helping veterans rebuild confidence, reconnect with society and strengthen families and communities.