Prince Harry, who now resides in California, has urged people not to forget military veterans while reaffirming his enduring pride in being British.
His message came ahead of the United Kingdom’s annual Remembrance Sunday, which honors fallen soldiers.
The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan, reflected on his connection to Britain, saying, “Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for.”
In his statement, Harry highlighted the simple pleasures that, to him, embody British identity. “The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands—ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British,” he said, adding, “I make no apology for it. I love it.”
At 41, Harry remains largely estranged from his family following his and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties five years ago. Nonetheless, he expressed deep respect for the country and its veterans.
Reflecting on his military experience, he said he had witnessed “courage and compassion in the harshest conditions imaginable,” but also saw “how easy it can be, once the uniform comes off, for those who gave everything, to feel forgotten.”
He encouraged the public to reach out to former service members—“knock on their doors, join them for a cuppa or a pint”—to listen to their stories and “remind them their service still matters.”
Harry’s relationship with the royal family has been strained since the release of his memoir Spare in January 2023, which contained strong criticism of family members, including his brother’s wife Catherine and his stepmother, Queen Camilla.
Despite past tensions, he has expressed hope for “reconciliation” and met briefly with his father, King Charles III, during a visit to London in September. The 76-year-old monarch is currently receiving treatment for an undisclosed cancer.
Britain’s Remembrance Sunday service will be held at the Cenotaph in central London to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in war.
After leaving the army, Harry founded the Invictus Games, a global sporting event for wounded soldiers and veterans.
He emphasized that Remembrance Day is not about “glorifying war” but about acknowledging “its cost: the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice.”
What You Should Know
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, served in the British Army for ten years, including combat missions in Afghanistan.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, he has focused on philanthropic efforts in mental health and veteran support, notably through the Invictus Games.
Despite tensions with the royal family, Harry continues to identify strongly with his British roots and military service, advocating for compassion and recognition toward veterans who often feel neglected after their service.
