Prince Harry has demonstrated his German language skills in an emotional message as the country held its first ever Veterans Day.
The Duke of Sussex was invited by Germany‘s defence minister to deliver a statement at the inaugural event.
While he delivered most of his speech, shared on Instagram, in English, he did both start and end it in German.
He opened his message by saying, ‘Guten Tag, Deutschland’ – that is, ‘Good day, Germany’.
And he finished by telling viewers and listeners, ‘Vielen dank und einen schönen Tag”, which translates as ‘Many thanks and have a nice day’.
Harry, 40, spoke fondly of visiting Germany two years ago when the city of Düsseldorf hosted the Invictus Games.
The duke established the Games in 2014 as an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
Both serving troops and veterans are encouraged to compete as part of their recovery journeys.
Prince Harry has demonstrated his German language skills in an emotional message as the country held its first ever Veterans Day
The Duke of Sussex was invited by Germany’s defence minister to deliver a statement – and opened his message by saying, ‘Guten Tag, Deutschland’
Harry, who served 10 years in the British Army, has long made helping injured soldiers one of his most prominent causes.
In his new statement to German veterans, he was seen wearing ceremonial medals such as the Afghan Campaign medal, Golden Jubilee medal, Diamond Jubilee medal and Platinum Jubilee medal.
After opening with a brief snatch of German, he said in English: ‘It is a profound privilege to be asked by your defence minister to deliver a message to you on this sacred Veterans Day.
‘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.’
He nodded to his own military service as he went on to say: ‘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.
‘That spirit of camaraderie, forged on the sports field, mirrors the unbreakable bond that connects veterans of all nations.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are seen here at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games held in the German city of Düsseldorf in September 2023
‘We understand each other, regardless of flag or uniform, bound by shared experiences and an enduring commitment to service.
“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.’
Harry also declared that Germany’s significance in helping safeguard peace and stability in Europe ‘has never been more critical’ amid current ‘turbulent times’ – as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, more than three years on from their invasion.
The duke added: ‘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 schönen Tag.’
Harry made a surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine in April this year.
Harry also declared that Germany’s significance in helping safeguard peace and stability in Europe ‘has never been more critical’ amid current ‘turbulent times’
Prince Harry is seen here talking to a person wounded in Ukraine’s war with Russia at the Superhumans Centre in Lviv during his surprise visit to the country in April
The duke faced accusations of hypocrisy at the time after he met dozens of wounded soldiers in Lviv despite claiming he and his family could be safe in Britain without taxpayer-funded police bodyguards.
A source close to Harry told MailOnline that the level of protection on his Ukrainian trip was better than what he receives in the UK.
They said: ‘He can go to Ukraine – a country with an active warzone – because he has a robust security detail, one that he does not have in his home country.’
Harry was given a police escort to and from the Polish border and former Ukrainian military personnel accompanied him to the Superhumans rehabilitation centre in Lviv where he met adults and children who have been injured since war erupted in 2022.
