Prince Harry has broken his silence with his first statement since missing Remembrance Sunday.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, shared a statement on Monday paying tribute to veterans and service members amid ongoing commemorations for Veterans Day and Remembrance Day.
In a personal message, he wrote: “My Fellow Veterans, as we mark both Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, I reaffirm my lifelong admiration and appreciation for the service and sacrifice you and your families have made both in times of conflict and peace.
“You have played a vital role in defending the values of liberty, freedom, and security.
Prince Harry breaks silence with first statement since missing Remembrance Sunday
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“These values bind us together and have shaped you as leaders and role models.”
Harry added: “At a time of global uncertainty, remember the unity and purpose that defined your service, and do not hesitate to put that into action in your communities.
“That same spirit should guide all of us in facing today’s challenges.
“Your example and morality demonstrate that true power lies in our ability to unite and confront the obstacles before us.
King Charles and the Royal Family at the Cenotaph on Sunday
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“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.”
The duke concluded: “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 honoured to stand with you.”
Prince Harry’s statement comes after senior members of the British Royal Family reunited in London on Remembrance Sunday to honour Britain’s fallen servicemen and women.
Princess Kate and the Duchess of Edinburgh watching the Remembrance Sunday service from the balcony
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Prince Harry would often always Remembrance Sunday events as a working royal
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While Harry missed out, King Charles marked the poignant occasion alongside his sister Princess Anne, the Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent and Sir Timothy Laurence.
As a mark of respect, the royals all wore red poppies to acknowledge those who died during military conflict.
Despite missing out, Harry sent sweets to children’s charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, who support hundreds of bereaved military children and young people.
Harry is an ambassador for Scotty’s, set up in 2010 by army widow Nikki Scott, whose husband Corporal Lee Scott died in Afghanistan in 2009, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
