Prince Harry offered a tender glimpse into his life as a father in his recent appearance on the Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast. During the candid conversation, the Duke of Sussex shared that on particularly difficult days, he makes sure to give his children, 7-year-old Prince Archie and 5-year-old Princess Lilibet, an “extra, extra tight” hug.
Reflecting on the importance of staying grounded, Harry noted that children have an “incredibly refreshing” way of viewing the world and serve as a vital reminder not to take life too seriously.
This sentiment mirrored a heartwarming moment from earlier in his U.K. trip on July 11, when he attended the Scotty’s Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle. When a 9-year-old attendee named Poppy asked him what makes him laugh on tough days, Harry admitted that while some days are simply too hard for laughter, he finds joy through his children, his dog, or by watching something funny on television.
The podcast episode, released on July 13, follows a significant week for the Duke, which included a private family reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House on July 10. The meeting marked the first time the Duchess of Sussex and the children have seen the King and Queen in four years. Despite initial complications regarding security arrangements, the Duke of Sussex remained in the U.K. to fulfill his commitments to various philanthropic initiatives, including the Invictus Games.
Throughout the interview, Harry maintained a reflective tone, even humorously listing “full-time dad” as a primary occupation alongside his roles as a British Army veteran and the Duke of Sussex.