The Duke of Sussex has published a poignant essay ahead of Remembrance Day, calling on the nation to remember not only those who died in conflict but also living veterans, who can be easily overlooked 'once the uniform comes off'. In the 647-word piece titled 'The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What it means to be British – By Prince Harry', he expressed profound pride in his military service and his deep affection for British culture.
Prince Harry, who served two frontline tours in Afghanistan, reflected on the spirit of self-deprecation and humour he sees in both Britons and Ukrainians, following a visit to a rehabilitation centre in Ukraine. He described bravery as 'not the absence of fear, but the triumph of purpose over it' and noted that Britain 'is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for'.
The former soldier highlighted the Invictus Games as a testament to courage and camaraderie, proving that 'service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off'. He also wrote to families from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting children of fallen UK service personnel, praising their strength and pride in marching at the Cenotaph.
Emphasising that remembrance is 'a call to collective responsibility', Prince Harry urged the public to support veterans through opportunity and respect, not just sympathy. He concluded with a call to action: 'If you live near them, knock on their door. If you see them around, shake their hand. And if you feel so inclined, join them for a cuppa…or a pint.'
