Prince Harry feels 'proud to be British' in emotional Remembrance Day essay
The essay comes as the UK is set to mark Remembrance Day this weekend
Prince Harry has shared an emotional essay, sharing his thoughts as we approach Remembrance Day on Nov 11.
The prince has shared an emotive insight into his pride in “all things that make us British”.
He detailed his thoughts in a 647-word piece titled “The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What it means to be British – By Prince Harry”.
It comes as the royal family prepares to remember those who have died in world wars and other conflicts this Remembrance Sunday (November 9).
Prince Harry’s essay in full
The Duke of Sussex wrote: “Every November the world, for a moment, grows quieter. We pause, together, to remember. Remembrance has never been about glorifying war. It’s about recognising its cost: the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice. It’s also about honouring those who, knowing that cost, still choose to serve. Earlier this year, I was invited to Ukraine (Slava Ukraini!) to spend time with friends at the Superhumans centre; men and women rebuilding their lives after devastating injuries. In every face, both military and civilian, I saw resilience and a fierce determination not to be defined by what had been taken from them. They reminded me that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the triumph of purpose over it. There is a similar stoic spirit of self-deprecation and humour in Ukrainians, that I recognise more than any other, in us Brits.
“Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for. The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it. That same spirit lives in every member of our Armed Forces and the families who serve beside them. You need only spend a few hours at the Invictus Games to feel it. There, you see courage reborn, camaraderie restored, and proof that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. In my capacity as their Global Ambassador, this week, I wrote to families from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the UK charity supporting children of Britain’s fallen heroes.”
Prince Harry praises those who served their country
Harry’s essay went on to describe how he is “moved” by the strength of the sons and daughters who wear yellow and black scarves in honour of their parents.
Some of these sons and daughters are preparing to march at the Cenotaph this weekend.
He praised their “love” and “pride” and highlighted how they “carry forward their parents’ legacy of service”.
Harry, who is a former Apache helicopter pilot and commander for the Army Air Corps, pointed out that “remembrance, then, is not simply a minute’s silence,” and noted how it is a collective responsibility.
The Duke of Sussex discussed how he has served with those from all corners of the country. He also added that each person was courageous and compassionate, even in the harshest of conditions.
Harry shared that he feels it is “our duty” to ensure their memory does not end with their service.
The Duke of Sussex reflects on ‘fragile’ state of the world
The prince also reflected on the current state of the world. He described it as “fragile” whilst pointing out that “institutions built to protect it are being strained”.
He movingly stated that unfortunately, peace is still not known for all.
Harry went on to say that he feels that Remembrance shouldn’t be confined to one week in November.
He said that paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty is a “lifelong commitment,” focusing on empathy, gratitude and action, as well as preserving the memory of those lost.
Prince Harry asked us to “remember not only the fallen, but the living”.
He eloquently described how we should remember “those who still carry the weight of war in body and mind, and the families who bear its memory in their hearts”.
Harry concluded: “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, to hear their story and remind them their service still matters.”
Read more: Does Prince Harry still get money from the royal family?
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