Prince Harry popped up in Washington DC and northern Virginia yesterday, like he hadn’t just become one of the biggest international stories of the summer (or year). Soon after multiple outlets confirmed that the Sussex family will return to the UK to live for at least one school year, Harry stepped out for a roundtable discussion with American veterans, and he hinted that he’s about to launch a “commercial” solution for veterans. The photos seem to be exclusive to the Associated Press (Getty Images isn’t even carrying them), so I’m including a tweet at the end of the post with the pics.

Prince Harry urged communities to better apply service members’ skills when they return to the workforce during an intimate gathering with U.S. veterans Wednesday night.

“The world needs more heroes,” he told the roundtable. “And it’s not about creating more heroes because they already live among us. It’s about being able to really value their expertise, their experiences.”

The Duke of Sussex, who served 10 years in the British Army, hinted that he’d soon launch a “commercial” solution that “really values those who served rather than expect them to volunteer.”

He held the discussion with veterans, defense officials, military spouses and nonprofit leaders at a hotel ballroom in Washington, D.C. The conversation — which was organized by The Independence Fund, a nonprofit that helps critically wounded service members — lasted more than 80 minutes.

Harry told the roundtable that it has been refreshing to hear the latest generation of veterans express an interest in “purpose” and “service after service” —- no matter their branch or country of service. He extolled their communication skills, moral leadership and ability to work in high stress environments. But, he said in an interview with The Associated Press, that those skills are “not being transitioned over within the civilian world.”

In between jokes about each other’s hair and their alma maters, wounded veterans emphasized the importance of exercise in their rehabilitation. Garrett J. Carnes, a retired marine corporal who lost both legs, said inactivity is difficult when they’ve spent so long priding themselves on their physical fitness. “I give all glory to Jesus Christ,” he said, “but man I am so thankful that he invented Jiu-Jitsu.”

Harry’s earlier stops Wednesday included Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a wreath, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He did not mention reports of his decision to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay with Meghan and their children. He declined to comment when asked to discuss the move.

Sarah Verardo, the CEO of The Independence Fund, noted Harry’s impact on the patients at Walter Reed. A few veterans who told Harry they were too injured to participate in his Invictus Games left their interactions standing “taller and stronger” after he told them there’s “no such thing,” according to Verardo.

Jane Horton, a senior defense adviser in the Trump administration and Gold Star wife, appreciated that Harry is using his platform to unite veterans. “To see someone that has turned pain into purpose in such a beautiful way such as Prince Harry — not only turn pain into purpose, but pain into service — resonated with the whole community and means a lot to us all,” she told AP.

In an interview with AP, Harry spoke more broadly about the need to elevate “moral leadership.” He expressed concern that a “very, very small group of people are making decisions that are impacting the entire world” around politics and technology.

“What we need,” he said, “is the younger generation coming into leadership who perhaps see the world slightly differently. And I think a little less testosterone might do as well.”

[From The AP]

Less testosterone? Harry was absolutely pushing back on Whiskey Pete Hegseth and his dumbass “Department of War” and “we need MORE testosterone” BS. Still, I find it interesting that there were some Trump officials there – despite the stupidity within the Trump administration, the international veteran community has always been extremely supportive of Harry and his work. It’s incredible that he also visited Arlington and Walter Reed and no one knew. Bonkers.

🆕 Prince Harry attended a roundtable event about support for veterans in Washington DC on Wednesday.

The event brought together key military advocates and leaders to discuss critical philanthropic support, mental health resources, and care networks for wounded veterans. pic.twitter.com/0ySC5Mkkox

— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) August 20, 2026

Photos from the 2025 Invictus Games, courtesy of Backgrid, Cover Images.