Prince Harry
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesPrince Harry made a surprise appearance at the Service Members of the Year Awards wearing a subtle reminder of his own military service.
“Good evening everyone. Especially those who serve, have served and continue to serve,” Harry, 39, said in a video message played during the awards ceremony on Thursday, April 25. “Tonight I have the “It was my special honor to present this year’s Soldier of the Year award. I first met Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, where I presented her with four gold medals, which she won in swimming.”
Harry apparently filmed his recorded message outside his mansion in Montecito, California, where he wore a black suit and burgundy tie. The Duke of Sussex also wore a collection of four military medals on his lapel, recognizing his decade of service in the British Army.
Harry did not elaborate on his medals in the speech and remained focused on recognizing Marks’ achievements.
Ready to serve. Prince Harry has remained loyal to the military after retiring from the British Royal Army in 2015. The Duke of Sussex is one of many members of the British royal family who have served their country throughout history. Harry was part of the armed forces for ten years, while his older brother […]
“To me, she embodies the courage, resilience and determination that is represented throughout our service community, and it’s not just because of her swimming skills,” Harry said. “Ellie bravely overcame every obstacle that came her way. She turned her pain into meaning and led with compassion and willpower, showing others that the impossible is actually possible.”
He continued, “Despite the injuries she suffered during her deployment as a medical assistant in Iraq, as well as numerous surgeries and setbacks that would have deterred many, she persevered tirelessly and became the first woman in the Army’s world-class athlete program. “ the first swimmer the program has ever seen. She has also taken her recovery a step further, using her experiences and successes to inspire and support others on their mental and physical journey into sport, ensuring that those who cannot see a way out or a way through are connected to the saving medicine of You will also be introduced to sports.”
Prince Harry
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesWhat’s particularly significant is that Harry will be wearing his military medals on Thursday. He lost his honorary degrees in 2020 when he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their duties as senior royals. As a result, Harry was unable to wear his ceremonial uniform at official royal events, including his grandmother’s Queen Elizabeth IIState funeral and father King Charles IIICoronation. Charles, 75, allowed his youngest son to wear the official garb for a special vigil at the Queen’s coffin in September 2022.
Since then, Harry has continued to support his fellow veterans through his Invictus Games.
It has been more than two years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their duties as senior members of the royal family, resulting in the Duke of Sussex losing his royal patronage and military titles. In February 2021, it was announced that Harry had officially handed back the titles of Captain General Royal […]
“Through the Invictus community, [Ellie] has trained so many from Ukraine and Colombia … who need it most, always remembering what it was like at the beginning of the healing journey,” he added Thursday. “Ellie, you embody the Invictus spirit for your selfless service. They know that sport not only saves lives but also changes them for the better. And by finding your own cure, you have helped countless brothers and sisters stay alive. Your unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, offers hope, and sets a strong example for others to follow. It’s an honor to call you my friend and I can’t thank you enough for being you.”
Harry concluded: “To all military personnel, past and present, in the room this evening: know that your community and the international community are grateful for all the sacrifices you have made [made].”