In 2023, the Invictus Games were held in Dusseldorf, Germany. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex got a fantastic reception in Germany, but so did the games overall. The Invictus community, veterans from around the world, were spotlighted and embraced by the German government and German people. After the Dusseldorf games, The New European pointed out that hosting the games had radically altered Germany’s relationship with their own veterans. The German government also made some big moves for their veteran community around the games – they are now using the Invictus model to organize a national Warrior Games, and they’re also prioritizing veteran-services and veteran care in new ways. Another change: Germany now has their own Veterans Day holiday. Prince Harry sent a message of support for German veterans celebrating their first national Veterans Day (since WWII at least).

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.”

“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. “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.”

[From People]

His speech is lovely, and I’m really moved that the German Defense Minister asked Harry to give a speech, recognizing veterans’ service. I’m attaching the video below – Harry wore his British medals for the speech, and I’m sure people will attack him for that for some reason.

Prince Harry was asked by the German 🇩🇪Defense Minister to deliver a special message to veterans on the country’s first ever Veterans Day being held today, Jun 15th.

“Guten Tag Deutschland! ..It’s a profound privilege to deliver a message to you on this sacred Veterans Day” -PH pic.twitter.com/DrjKcZo8bq

— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) June 15, 2025

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.