In a thought-provoking development, a wounded war veteran has offered a contrasting viewpoint to Prince Harry’s claims made in his new Netflix series, “Heart of Invictus.”
As reported by the Daily Mail, Ben McBean, a former Royal Marine who faced the life-altering loss of an arm and a leg due to a landmine blast in Afghanistan in 2008, is renowned as the inspiration behind Prince Harry’s creation of the Invictus Games. These games serve as a platform to celebrate the resilience and achievements of disabled servicemen and women.
Ben McBean, using his Twitter account, respectfully presented an alternative viewpoint in response to Prince Harry’s assertion that the UK press had neglected wounded troops. In a balanced statement, Ben conveyed, “I still hold great respect for Harry, but I must respectfully disagree. I’m not entirely sure which media he is referring to, but I can attest that the British media provided coverage for veterans over many years.”
In an interview conducted by The Sun, Ben McBean further elaborated on his perspective, underscoring his unwavering support for Prince Harry spanning a 15-year period. He clarified, “For 15 years, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for him. However, it’s essential to recognize that unwavering support doesn’t equate to agreement with every statement made. On this particular matter, the Duke of Sussex holds a differing view.”
Crucially, the veteran emphasized the pivotal role that media played in the lives of wounded troops during their post-injury journeys. He acknowledged, “Following our injuries, one of the few positive aspects was the support provided by the media. They didn’t disregard us; instead, they shared our stories and disabilities with the world.”
Ben McBean’s perspective underscores the importance of open dialogue and diverse viewpoints within a community, even when there is a deep-rooted respect and admiration for the individuals involved. It serves as a reminder that meaningful discussions can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.