, shaped by royal tradition yet driven by personal purpose, continues to champion causes far beyond the palace. His decade of military service deepened his bond with veterans, inspiring the creation of the Invictus Games. In a meaningful gesture, he now honors Germany’s first Veterans Day, tapping into his own ancestral ties to the country’s royal lineage. With a powerful tribute, the Duke of Sussex blends heritage with heartfelt duty, once again standing in solidarity with those who have served.
Prince Harry surprised Germany by delivering a heartfelt tribute in German, following a request from the Defense Minister.
Prince Harry speaks German to mark Veterans Day in Germany
On June 15 in Berlin, Prince Harry addressed veterans through a video message played during a moving Veterans Day commemoration.
Beginning with “Guten Tag Deutschland!”,
he expressed deep gratitude for the invitation from Germany’s defense minister. Reflecting on his 2023 visit for the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, the Duke of Sussex shared his admiration for the German public’s heartfelt welcome and dedication to supporting injured and retired service members. He praised Germany’s effort, saying, “You certainly delivered on your promise to create a home for respect.”
Prince Harry was asked by the German 🇩🇪Defense Minister to deliver a special message to veterans on the country’s first ever Veterans Day being held today, Jun 15th.
“Guten Tag Deutschland! ..It’s a profound privilege to deliver a message to you on this sacred Veterans Day” -PH pic.twitter.com/DrjKcZo8bq
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) June 15, 2025
Prince Harry further added that the spirit of camaraderie built on the sports field reflects the unbreakable connection between veterans of all nations. He noted that shared service creates a deep understanding beyond flags or ranks. Drawing from his own experience as a British Army officer with tours in Afghanistan, he emphasized that veterans are more than warriors; they are resilient leaders whose loyalty lies not with power, but with truth and the people they serve. Perhaps that deep sense of unity also echoes his own roots, particularly his grandfather’s German ancestry.
For over 300 years, Britain’s royals have shared bloodlines with Germany. Here is a glimpse into the royal history that connects Prince Harry to his enduring German heritage.
Prince Harry and the German legacy running through royal veins
King Charles III’s royal bloodline is steeped in German ancestry, beginning with King George I of Hanover, who took the British throne in 1714.
The family’s name was originally Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, inherited from Prince Albert, the German-born husband of Queen Victoria, before it was changed to Windsor during World W– I. This legacy flows through to Prince Harry, whose lineage links him not just to Britain but to centuries of German nobility, right down to Princess Sophie of Hanover and her brother and the Prince’s grandfather, the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
When George Louis of Hanover became King George I in 1714, his German roots stirred unease among the British public. Arriving weeks after his proclamation, he faced protests and criticism for his language skills and stiff demeanor. Yet, he soon proved himself, bringing peace and prosperity to both Britain and Hanover. That legacy of service lived on in Prince Harry, who has passionately supported veterans, though not without controversy
. However, by honouring his German heritage, the Duke of Sussex has once again won the hearts of Germans.
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