Prince Harry's 'regret' laid bare in 'discreet' letter hidden inside VJ Day wreath
The prince paid tribute to late grandfather Prince Philip in the touching note
The letter and wreath that Prince Harry left at a memorial to mark VJ Day have been described as a “touching gesture”.
Harry, 40, reportedly asked a friend to “discreetly” place the letter and a wreath at the Burma Star Memorial following the VJ Day service on Friday (August 15).
The service was attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day). The king, 76, and queen, 78, became emotional as a veteran praised “brave” Charles amid his cancer treatment.
VJ Day marks the day that Japan surrendered in World War II in 1945, effectively bringing the war to an end.
Harry’s ‘touching gesture’ on VJ Day was ‘appropriately handled’
And royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes Harry “clearly sees” his latest gesture as a move towards reconciliation.
He told GB News: “It is a touching gesture.”
“This was appropriately handled,” he added. “It is clear that Prince Harry was fond of his grandfather.”
Fitzwilliams suggested that Harry may have felt “regret” at not being at the service in person, particularly with it possibly being the last VJ Day commemoration that veterans would likely attend.
What did Harry’s letter say?
Harry’s tribute read: “For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign. He spoke with quiet humility about those years. But I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave.”
Philip served in the Royal Navy throughout World War II, and was there in Tokyo Bay when Japan formally surrendered in September 1945.
It is clear that Prince Harry was fond of his grandfather.
Harry also thanked the veterans directly. He wrote: “Your service in the jungles and mountains of Burma and beyond was marked by grit, unity, and sacrifice. I am humbled by your example, proud of your service and dedication, and profoundly grateful for what you endured. With the deepest respect, thank you.”
He signed the note: “Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.”
Fitzwilliams suggested that, while Harry may be hoping for reconciliation, the royals may have misgivings due to the interview with Oprah Winfrey that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, took part in that aired a month before Philip died.
The interview aired on March 7, 2021, in the US and a day later in the UK. A month later, on April 9, Philip died aged 99 at Windsor Castle.
Harry and Philip appeared close, with the prince previously describing his grandfather as “a man of service, honour and great humour”.
Royal butler on what Philip thought of Harry and Meghan’s wedding
Grant Harrold, a former royal butler to King Charles, has claimed in his upcoming memoir that Philip swore at the end of Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, making his feelings known.
The wedding differed from most royal weddings in some ways, particularly with the 14-minute sermon by American bishop Michael Curry.
“When Prince Philip came out, he turned to the queen and said, ‘Thank [bleep] that’s over,'” Grant claimed.
He added: “It was very funny. I think he was speaking for the majority of people, who were wondering what it was all about and when it was going to end. But he was the man who actually said it.”
Read more: Meghan Markle defended for not publicly supporting ‘lonely’ Prince Harry over Sentebale charity row
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