Harry, 40, was taking part in a poignant commemoration in the German city of Berlin on Sunday, June 15
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Prince Harry is showing his support for veterans in Germany — by speaking German!
The Duke of Sussex addressed former members of the armed forces in a special video played at a poignant commemoration in Berlin on June 15.
Opening with “Guten Tag Deutschland!” (which translates to “good day, Germany”) Harry, 40, called it “a profound privilege to be asked by your defense minister to deliver a message to you on this sacred Veteran’s Day.”
Harry referred to his pride at visiting in 2023 when his Invictus Games contest for wounded, sick, and injured serving and ex-personnel took place in Düsseldorf, Germany. “The warmth, the enthusiasm, and the unwavering support shown by the German people for our global community of wounded service personnel was truly humbling,” he said. “You certainly delivered on your promise to create a home for respect.”
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“That spirit of camaraderie, forged on the sports field, mirrors the unbreakable bond that connects veterans of all nations. We understand each other, regardless of flag or uniform, bound by shared experiences and an enduring commitment to service,” the father of two added.
Harry — who was an officer in the British army for about a decade and served two tours of Afghanistan in that time — was speaking on Germany’s first ever Veteran’s Day.
“Veterans are more than warriors; they are leaders. Living testaments to resilience and moral courage, they understand that loyalty must never lie with power alone, but with the people. With truth,” he added.
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“As someone who has worn the uniform and stood shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters-in-arms from across the world—including many of you—I know that the weight of service is not carried lightly.”
After praising Germany for showing how “memory, accountability, and unity can be turned into strength,” he said this first Veteran’s Day was a “celebration of you, the values you stand for, the oath you took, and the great country you stand to protect.”
He ended with, “Today, let us renew our commitment, together, to protect the freedoms that define who we are, to serve each other for peace, for dignity and for the enduring promise of democracy.”
And, in German, signed off with: “Vielen dank und einen schonen tag,” which means “Thank you very much and have a nice day.”
His next games are set for July 2027 in Birmingham, U.K.
