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Harry’s Surprise Video Appearance Shows He Hasn’t Forgotten Military Roots — Despite His US Life

Prince Harry has never needed a palace balcony to honor those who served beside him. The Duke of Sussex recently appeared in a surprise video at the Heroic Hearts Gala in California, wearing his British military medals and a poppy pinned neatly to his lapel. Though thousands of miles away from his homeland, the 41-year-old Prince spoke with quiet conviction, his words filled with warmth and duty reminiscent of his years as an army captain. His message also struck a deeply British note as he addressed veterans receiving support for post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Heroic Hearts Project helps veterans through therapy, coaching, and alternative programs designed to rebuild confidence after trauma. Speaking from outside his Montecito home in a prerecorded clip, the Duke of Sussex expressed his admiration for the charity’s mission. “As a combat veteran and someone who cares deeply about mental fitness I’ve seen how important genuine veteran-led support is,” he said, acknowledging the unique strength that comes with shared experience. He then went on to praise the organization for redefining what courage means in the modern age. 

“You guys have created a safe space where courage isn't defined by silence but by showing up. Where strength isn't the absence of struggle, but the willingness to face it," he applauded. His remarks echoed the same values and themes that have long guided his work with veterans―from the Invictus Games to his ongoing advocacy for mental health. Interestingly, Harry’s appearance came just hours after the rest of the royal family gathered at the Cenotaph in London to mark Remembrance Sunday. King Charles led the solemn ceremony alongside other senior royals of the family. A two-minute silence was observed, and wreaths were laid in tribute to those who gave their lives in service. 

It was a defining moment of national reflection, one that Harry once took part in as a senior royal before he stepped back from his duties in 2020. Since then, he has been absent from Remembrance events, marking 2019 as his last appearance at the Cenotaph. He had requested to have a wreath laid on his behalf in 2020, though the same was declined, given that he was no longer a working royal. This year, however, he marked the occasion through his charity work and spending quality time with army veterans in Toronto. Published through Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the prince had also shared a personal essay. 

Titled The Bond, The Banter, The Bravery: What It Means to Be British ― By Prince Harry, the Duke, wrote, "Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for." The line stood out, revealing both pride and nostalgia for a life left behind. Royal expert Jennie Bond later reflected while speaking to The Mirror that Harry’s choice of the word ‘currently’ hinted at something deeper. She suggested that his choice of words implied he may not see his move to the U.S. as permanent. This also leaves open the possibility that he could one day wish to return to his homeland.