Prince Harry has no interest in being pitied. The Duke of Sussex believes he has put in the work to understand himself better. In a new GQ interview, he opened up about therapy, his military years, and the experiences that helped shape him.
Prince Harry reveals he’s ‘put in the work’ to become grounded in new interview
Prince Harry sat down with GQ’s Zach Baron at the magazine’s New York City offices. When Baron questioned how Harry handled difficult experiences, the Duke explained why he doesn’t want sympathy.
“No, you don’t feel insane, and I certainly don’t want any sympathy,” he said. Asked why, he replied, “Because I’m a prince.” Harry explained that he has a support network around him and has tried different forms of therapy.
He also acknowledged that working on himself has made a difference. “I’ve done, you know, different forms of therapy and I’ve put in the work, right? I didn’t have to,” he said. The Duke also credited his military service with helping him stay grounded. “And 10 years in the military really grounded me,” he shared. The experience gave him more than practical skills.
“It gave me a specific set of skills, but it gave me a certain set of values that I will live by for the rest of my life.” However, Harry admitted that he had not fully understood why military life meant so much to him at the time. Looking back, he realized it had also helped him escape difficult emotions. “I was running from something, and being in the military gave me the perfect distraction,” he revealed.
Harry also reflected on growing up in a broken home, noting that many people share similar experiences. He spoke about learning to recognize his triggers, understand his identity, and navigate grief. Emotions, he explained, can surface unexpectedly, even during happy moments.
For Harry, the journey has been far from straightforward. But therapy and his years in the military have helped him find his footing. Today, he believes in the work he has put into himself rather than seeking sympathy for his struggles.
