Prince Harry appeared emotional on Wednesday as he shared a new video message to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, who has visited the country twice in the past year, said he had been “deeply moved” after witnessing Ukrainians’ resilience ever since the war broke out on 24 February 2022.
“I want to speak directly to you, to those on the frontlines and to those supporting from the home front, your strength inspires the world,” he said in the clip, which was recorded for the Superhumans Center in Lviv. The Duke said he had been left “moved” by the “courage, dignity and unbreakable spirit” of the country’s people, even in the midst of war.
The video also included footage from Harry’s visits to Ukraine, where he has worked closely with the centre, which focuses on war trauma, providing prosthetics, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery and psychological support.
Speaking to the camera in the video, Harry said: “Over the past year, I have had the honour and privilege of visiting Ukraine twice. Each time, I left deeply moved by the courage, dignity and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people, even in the midst of war, a war which continues to take the lives of civilians and service members every single day. Life goes on.
“I saw the strength of the Superhuman Center during a visit in April and the determination of those rebuilding their bodies and their futures. I saw it in the resilience and pride of the Invictus Games veterans I met in Vancouver. And I saw it in the eyes of Ukrainians in Kyiv, eyes that carry both pain and unwavering hope.”
Prince Harry, who lives in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, continued: “For four years, Ukraine has stood firm. You have shown the world what true resilience looks like. You have reminded us all that freedom and independence are never guaranteed and need protecting and, where necessary, fighting for.
“Today, as Ukraine marks the anniversary of the start of this war, I want to speak directly to you, to those on the front lines, and to those supporting from the home front. Your strength inspires the world. Your bravery unites us, and your hope lights a path forward for us all. Please know that you are not alone. The world stands with you and we continue to learn from your courage every single day. Stay strong, stay brave, stay hopeful.”
He finished by declaring, “Slava Ukraini!”, which means “Glory to Ukraine” and has become a patriotic slogan to support the war effort.
© GettyHarry and Meghan at the Invictus Games in 2023
The video was released in the early afternoon on Tuesday, shortly after Harry’s father, King Charles, hosted a reception at King James’s Palace in London, joined by Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. It made for the largest gathering of royals since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor last week.
Prince Harry’s support for Ukraine
The new video comes just two weeks after Harry released another emotional clip, appealing to “brave” volunteers in Ukraine. Harry was seen speaking to the two volunteers and asking about how they were. One of them said, “Life has turned upside down for the last two weeks. Sometimes it seems to me that this is just a nightmare and I’m going to wake up soon.”
In response, Harry replied: “I mean, you guys are saving lives every single day. I know you’re part of HALO, so that’s exactly what you signed up to do, and I know that you’re going to continue doing the work that is so desperately needed for HALO, for your families and your country.”
© GettyPrince Harry and Meghan take selfies with fans as they attend the Ukraine vs Nigeria volleyball
The Duke of Sussex then asked how people could help, noting how many were “watching on, feeling completely hopeless”.
Last April, Harry made a secret visit to Ukraine, also working with the Superhumans Center in Lviv, which has often been targeted by Russia in its ongoing war with the European country and Harry’s visit wasn’t confirmed until he had left the country.
He visited the country again in September, shortly after reuniting with King Charles for their first face-to-face meeting in 19 months while spending time in the UK.