Ahead of Remembrance Day, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has shared a deeply personal and passionate message reflecting on his service and the importance of honoring veterans. Drawing from his experience as a former soldier with two frontline tours in Afghanistan, Harry expresses pride in fighting for his country and a love for “the things that make us British,” such as camaraderie, humour, and shared stories.
In his 647-word essay titled “The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What it means to be British – By Prince Harry,” the duke urges the nation to remember not only those who have died but also the living veterans who continue to carry the “weight of war.” He encourages people across the UK to reach out to veterans—whether by knocking on their doors or sharing a “cuppa… or a pint”—to listen to their stories and remind them their service matters.
Harry reflects fondly on the resilience and unity he witnessed among his fellow service members from across the UK’s four home nations, highlighting places from Antrim to Anglesey, Lancashire to London. He pays tribute to the stoic spirit and humour that bind them, saying, “The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands—these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it.”
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Emphasizing that Remembrance Day is more than “a minute’s silence,” Harry describes it as “a call to collective responsibility,” underscoring that the nation’s duty extends beyond active service. He warns that once the uniform is off, many veterans risk feeling forgotten and stresses the importance of safeguarding their future as a way to honor their sacrifice.
The duke also draws parallels between the British military spirit and the courage he witnessed during a recent visit to war-torn Ukraine, where he admired the resilience and humour of the Ukrainian people in the face of conflict. He acknowledges that although he currently lives in the United States, Britain will always be the country he proudly served.
Harry recalls his involvement with charities such as Norfolk-based Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports children of fallen service members, and highlights the camaraderie exemplified by the Invictus Games—an international sporting event he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. He announced that the Games will be hosted in Birmingham in 2027, bringing the event back to the UK.
Concluding his message, Harry calls for a lifelong commitment to remembrance, kindness, and unity, encouraging the public to remember veterans’ sacrifices every day, not just one weekend in November.
The release of Harry’s message precedes a two-day visit to Toronto, where he will meet Canadian veterans and military charity representatives to mark the Remembrancetide period. His message was timed carefully to avoid overshadowing other major royal events, including his brother Prince William’s climate talks and Remembrance ceremonies in the UK.
Since stepping back as a senior royal in 2020 and relocating to the US, Harry has maintained a strong connection to his military roots and the UK’s veteran community. Despite past controversies—such as being denied permission to lay a poppy wreath at the Cenotaph and losing military patronages—he continues to emphasize the profound impact his military service has had on his life and identity.
Through this heartfelt plea, Prince Harry seeks to remind the nation of the debt it owes to its servicemen and women, encouraging a communal effort to honor and support those who have served, both fallen and living.