Prince Harry is already keenly aware of the lasting effect his actions have on his son, Archie.
The 34-year-old Duke of Sussex attended the Diana Award National Youth Mentoring Summit at Banking Hall in London today. There he delivered a thoughtful speech about his mother Princess Diana’s impact and how becoming a parent has challenged him to consider his role as both a father and public figure.
“I’m struck by a few things today, most of which is the power of the invisible role model,” he told the audience during his speech. “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.”
The Duke of Sussex explained that his contemplation on life and legacy is born from 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.”