Moment Prince Harry practices his German as he shares video message to mark country's first Veteran's Day

The Irish Sun

15 hours ago

PRINCE Harry practised his German as he shared a video message to mark the country's first ever Veteran's Day.
The Duke of Sussex said it was a "profound privilege" to deliver the message on the "sacred day".
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Prince Harry practised his German in a video message
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The Duke of Sussex served two tours of Afghanistan
Credit: PA
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Prince Harry in his younger days during a parade at Sandhurst
Credit: AFP
Harry started his speech in German, greeting members of the country with their native tongue by saying "Guten Tag Deutschland!"
He continued: "My last visit to your remarkable country was to Düsseldorf two years ago for the Invictus Games, and it remains etched in my memory.
"The warmth, the enthusiasm, and the unwavering support shown by the German people for our global community of wounded service personnel was truly humbling. 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.
"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."
During the video, Harry wore numerous ceremonial medals that he was awarded in the past.
This included the Afghan campaign medal, golden jubilee medal, diamond jubilee medal and platinum jubilee medal.
Harry continued in his speech: "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.
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"We serve not to glorify war, but to protect peace. Not to follow a single voice, but to uphold a collective oath—to country, to people, and to the principles that bind us together as free nations.
"Germany has shown the world how memory, accountability, and unity can be turned into strength. In these turbulent times, your role in safeguarding peace and stability in Europe has never been more critical.
"To the brave men and women of the Bundeswehr - a heartfelt thank you for your steadfast service to your country, to your people and to one another. Today is also a celebration of you, the values you stand for, the oath you took and the great country you stand to protect.
"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.
"Vielen dank und einen schonen tag."
It comes just 24 hours after the Royals all came out in formal attire for Trooping the Colour.
Wills wore the Full Ceremonial Guard Order of the Welsh Guards yesterday during the parade.
Prince William saluted while on horseback, alongside
Kate, meanwhile, looked elegant in an aquamarine Catherine Walker coatdress with ivory lapels and cuffs.
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Both King Charles and Prince William were spotted wearing a black armband as they made their way down The Mall.
Those at the parade also held a minute's silence following the devastating crash.
Prince Harry's Army career
Prince Harry entered RMAS in May 2005 to begin 44 weeks of Officer Cadet training, this was after passing his Regular Commissions Board (RCB), the qualification necessary to train at Sandhurst, in September 2004.
In January 2006, Clarence House announced he was to join the Blues and Royals, after which he was commissioned as an Army officer on 12 April that year.
The Duke of Sussex served in the Army for ten years, undertaking two tours of Afghanistan.
The father of two rose to the rank of Captain at the peak of his military career which began in 2004.
During his time serving, he qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander.
In his memoir Spare he revealed he flew six missions during his second tour of duty which resulted in "the taking of human lives" of which he was neither proud nor ashamed.
His decision to leave the Army was confirmed in March 2015.
Prince Harry ended his military career at the rank of captain in June 2015, following a secondment to the Australian military.
General Sir Nicholas Carter, the then-Chief of the General Staff, said that Prince Harry had "achieved much in his 10 years as a soldier".