The Duke of Sussex has said he is still “fortunate” to serve Britain, despite the fact he is no longer a working royal. Prince Harry spoke at Nato’s military committee in Brussels via video link this week to address how important it is for veterans to still be able to serve their communities after leaving the armed forces.
Invictus Games Foundation and a “global movement”
The duke spoke about the importance of his Invictus Games Foundation in giving sick and injured military personnel the opportunity to continue serving, and even mentioned that he wanted to turn Invictus into a “global movement”. The passion Harry radiated in his speech was inspired by his own experience in the military, which saw him serve two tours of Afghanistan.
While Harry left the military in 2015, he went on to become a working royal, serving the country through his charity work and initiatives. The duke left his role as a working royal in 2020, but still continues with some of his charity work and patronages, including his Invictus Foundation.
Comments on service and purpose
Speaking via video link, Harry told military leaders: “When I hung up my uniform, I felt as though I had lost not simply a profession, but part of my purpose and identity. I was fortunate. I had another way to serve.”
Talking about everyone who has served before, Harry said: “We must think just as seriously about what happens to them after they have served – particularly when they return wounded, injured or sick.”
However, Harry may be putting himself in the spotlight for some controversy as he said at the NATO military committee that he is still “fortunate” to serve his country, as reported by The Telegraph. As he is no longer a working royal and does not represent the crown or the country, this comment could rattle a few people.
Prior statements on service
While Harry may not be serving his country on behalf of the monarchy, the duke has always argued that service is universal and something everyone has the capability to do, whether you are a working royal or not. In 2021, a year after Harry and his wife Meghan Markle quit royal life, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming they would not return to life as working royals.
The statement from the Palace read: “Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.” Harry then released his own statement, saying: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
It is believed that the duke feels passionately about being able to serve his country in one way or another. In 2020, the King’s youngest son spoke on the Declassified Podcast alongside other veterans and members of the military, recalling how important being in the military was for him.
He said: “Being able to wear my uniform, being able to stand up in service of one's country, these are amongst the greatest honours there are in life. To me, the uniform is a symbol of something much bigger; it's symbolic of our commitment to protecting our country, as well as protecting our values. These values are put in action through service, and service is what happens in the quiet and in the chaos. It's what happens in the darkness, it’s what happens when people aren't looking. It’s what happens on and off the battlefield. It's about carrying out our duty as soldiers. For me as a father, a husband and as a human being, it’s about how we uphold these values in every aspect of our lives.”
