Prince Harry sends emotional personal letter to UK veterans ahead of King Charles' birthday
Harry reached out to a group of veterans who climbed Everest
Prince Harry has penned a personal letter to a team of British veterans after their record-breaking expedition from London to Mount Everest and back, a feat completed in just seven days to raise funds for military charities.
The Duke of Sussex praised the group’s efforts as “nothing short of extraordinary”.
It comes ahead of his estranged father King Charles’ official birthday parade, aka Trooping the Colour, next weekend (June 14).
Prince Harry sends emotional letter to UK veterans
The letter, dated May 30, 2025, comes at a time of heightened tension between Harry and the royal family.
Last month, the estranged royal opened up in an emotional interview with the BBC. He revealed that he would love to heal the rift with his family, especially with his father, King Charles.
While reconciliation with King Charles has seemed unlikely, Harry’s message to the veterans has struck a hopeful chord, reminding the public of his connection to the UK and to causes close to his heart.
“Wow – what a remarkable accomplishment,” the duke wrote in the letter. “What you have done is nothing short of extraordinary. Reaching the top of the world is an immense physical and mental challenge in its own right. But doing it with purpose, to honour and support military families, elevates this feat to another level entirely.”
The Duke of Sussex served two tours in Afghanistan during his decade-long military career.
He addressed the letter to Kevin Godlington, one of the ex-Special Forces soldiers on the expedition, and handwrote the names of each team member at the top.
The team included Veterans Minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, and fellow veterans Garth Miller and Anthony “Staz” Stazicker.
‘I am hugely grateful’
“I take my hat off to you all. You’ve pushed the boundaries of human endurance while shining a light on a cause that is deeply important to me: the well-being of our service families, especially children and young people who’ve experienced loss. For that, I am hugely grateful,” Harry continued.
The challenge helped raise funds for several military charities, including Scotty’s Little Soldiers, an organisation supporting bereaved military children.
Harry serves as global ambassador for the charity. It was founded by Nikki Scott in honour of her husband, Corporal Lee “Scotty” Scott, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009.
Thank you for your strength, your advocacy, and your willingness to make the climb on behalf of others.
The duke highlighted one emotional detail in his letter.
Harry said: “I was particularly moved to hear that Corporal Lee Scott’s name tag made the journey with you. That gesture speaks volumes. I know it will have meant the world to Nikki, her family and all those at Scotty’s.
“Thank you for your strength, your advocacy, and your willingness to make the climb on behalf of others. You’ve not only conquered Everest. You’ve brought attention to the sacrifices of our armed forces community in a way few others ever could.”
In his closing words, Harry added a personal touch. “Well done, lads! All the best. Harry,” he penned by hand. The letter was signed off with his full title: “Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.”
The note was shared by Godlington on social media.
Read more: King Charles tipped to ‘take step toward reconciliation’ with ‘darling boy’ Prince Harry
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