Prince Harry Impresses with German Language Skills to Honour Germany’s First Veteran’s Day
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Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, showcased his linguistic abilities by speaking German as he marked Germany’s inaugural Veteran’s Day. The heartfelt commemoration took place in the city of Berlin on Sunday, June 15, where the 40-year-old royal delivered a speech to honour former members of the armed forces. As a seasoned writer and correspondent at PEOPLE with over 25 years of experience covering the royal family, Simon Perry reports on this significant event.
Harry started his address with a warm greeting in German, saying, “Guten Tag Deutschland!” which translates to “good day, Germany.” He expressed his deep gratitude for being invited by the German defense minister to convey a message on this momentous day. Reflecting on his visit to Düsseldorf in 2023 for the Invictus Games, Harry commended the German people for their warmth, enthusiasm, and unwavering support towards wounded service personnel from around the world.
During his speech, the Duke highlighted the camaraderie shared by veterans internationally, transcending national flags and uniforms. Drawing from his own experiences as a former officer in the British army who served in Afghanistan, he acknowledged the resilience and moral courage embodied by veterans. He stressed the importance of loyalty not solely to power, but to the people and truth, embodying the values of service and sacrifice.
As Germany observed its first Veteran’s Day, Prince Harry underscored the significant role veterans play as leaders and symbols of resilience. He commended Germany for transforming memory, accountability, and unity into sources of strength. The Duke praised the values upheld by veterans, emphasising their commitment to protecting the freedoms that define their nations and the enduring promise of democracy.
The royal concluded his speech by advocating for a collective renewal of commitment to serve and protect one another for peace and dignity. In a gesture of appreciation, he bid farewell in German, saying, “Vielen dank und einen schonen tag,” meaning “Thank you very much and have a nice day.” He also mentioned the upcoming Invictus Games scheduled for July 2027 in Birmingham, UK, signalling his ongoing dedication to supporting wounded service personnel.
Amidst the commemoration, Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, took to social media to celebrate Father’s Day. Meghan affectionately referred to Harry as “the best” and “our favorite guy” in a series of pictures and videos shared on her Instagram account. The family’s heartfelt message further highlighted the Duke’s commitment to his role as a father and advocate for veterans.
The public reaction to Prince Harry’s speech and his continued support for veterans reflects his enduring influence and dedication to honouring those who have served their countries. As he navigates his royal obligations with grace and compassion, Harry’s efforts to promote unity and remembrance resonate deeply with audiences around the world. His multilingual gesture in speaking German further demonstrates his cultural awareness and ability to connect with diverse communities on a global scale.
In a time of ongoing challenges and uncertainties, Prince Harry’s message of unity, gratitude, and service serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. As he continues to use his platform to advocate for important causes, his impact transcends borders and resonates with individuals from all walks of life. Prince Harry’s commitment to honouring veterans and promoting peace underscores his role as a compassionate and influential figure in today’s ever-changing world.