PRINCE Harry called Remembrance Sunday “a profound act of honour” – as he recalled being shot at while serving in Afghanistan.
In an interview on military podcast Declassified, the Duke of Sussex said today gives a “moment for respect and hope”.
The royal, who served in the Army for a decade, said wearing the uniform was “among the greatest honours there are in life”.
“The act of remembering, of remembrance, is a profound act of honour,” the prince said.
“It’s how we preserve the legacies of entire generations and show our gratitude for the sacrifices they made in order for us to be able to live the lives we live today.”
Harry rose to the rank of Captain and undertook two tours of Afghanistan during his service.
He said: “When I get asked about this period of my life, I draw from memories.
“I draw from what I remember and who I remember – like the first time we were shot at and who I was with, the casualties we saw, and those we saved, and the first medevac we escorted out of contact in a race against time.
“Once served, always serving – no matter what.
“Being able to wear my uniform, being able to stand up in service of one’s country – these are among the greatest honours there are in life.”
In previous years, he has joined his family to pay tribute to Britain’s war heroes in London.
However, due to Covid, the prince remains in LA with Meghan Markle and their son Archie – some 5,400 miles from where father Charles and brother William will today lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Yesterday, the Queen was seen wearing a mask for the first time at a “deeply personal” tribute ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
She bowed her head in silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior inside Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry said: “I wear the poppy to recognise all those who have served – the soldiers I knew, as well as those I didn’t.
“The soldiers who were by my side in Afghanistan, those who had their lives changed forever, and those that didn’t come home.
“I wear it to celebrate the bravery and determination of all our veterans, and their loved ones, especially those in our Invictus family.
“These are the people and moments I remember when I salute, when I stand at attention and when I lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.”
Harry is behind the Invictus Games, established in 2014 for injured servicemen and women and veterans to compete in a range of sports.
This morning, royals will be out in force for the Remembrance Sunday commemoration despite Covid restrictions.
But the public will be urged to stay away and watch on TV — and the march past of 10,000 veterans has been cancelled for the first time in 100 years.
The Queen will attend a secure service with Kate and Camilla on November 8.
Prince Charles and Prince William will lay poppy wreaths at the Cenotaph with hand-picked veterans and representatives of Britain’s wartime allies.
