Prince Harry issues heartfelt statement after missing out on royal reunion at Remembrance

Prince Harry has issued a rare statement paying tribute to veterans – just hours after missing out on joining the royals at Remembrance Sunday.

The Duke of Sussex, who had a long military career and served on two tours of duty in Afghanistan, used to be a firm fixture at the Remembrance Sunday service. But since he and wife Meghan dramatically quit their royal roles, they have not taken part in the ceremony since 2019.
However, this hasn’t stopped Harry from recognising veterans’ service – and today he released a rare message marking Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US, where he paid tribute to veterans, reaffirming his “lifelong admiration and appreciation” for their “service and sacrifice”.

Harry praised veterans for having played a “vital role in defending the values of liberty, freedom, and security”, saying: “These values bind us together and have shaped you as leaders and role models.”

In the statement published on the Sussex.com website, the Duke of Sussex added: “As you continue to serve making valued contributions to communities, colleagues, households and all those we love my hope is that our communities will continue to serve your needs too.

“Your contributions do not stop because you no longer wear the uniform, and the collective sense of appreciation for what you have done for your countries should not stop either. Let today be a reminder that the true measure of gratitude is not in words alone, but in our actions and our ongoing efforts to build a world worthy of the sacrifices that those before us have made and to protect it for generations to come.

“To all those who have served – past and present – I offer my deepest respect and thanks. Your service has made a lasting, positive impact for our communities, our nations, and our shared future. I am honored to stand with you.”

However, despite not being among those laying wreaths at the Cenotaph yesterday, it has been revealed that Harry did leave his mark on the poignant day. That’s because he made sure a group of young children who were given the opportunity to take part in the Royal British Legion’s march past the Cenotaph were given a little treat.

Harry is an ambassador for the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports bereaved children whose parents have died in military service. Some of the children supported by the charity took part in the march past and he made sure they all had sweets to enjoy.