Prince Harry said “it’s good to be back on British soil” as he made his first public appearance since moving back to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex appeared in an exuberant mood as he arrived for the inaugural Spirit of Invictus awards at the Old Naval College in London.
Asked how things were going before be went into the venue, he said: “Good! It’s good to be back on British soil.” In a speech tonight Harry told the audience of armed forces veterans “your service matters”.
The duke spoke about his journey setting up the global Invictus Games and how competitors have gone on to achieve the impossible and join “the best community in the world”.
He said: “Tonight you will hear extraordinary stories, but I hope we don’t simply applaud them. I hope we recognise what they ask of us.
“Because Invictus was never created so that the rest of us could sit back and admire resilience. It was created so that people who have served know that when their lives change, we don’t disappear.
“They served us. We must continue to show up for them, and I guarantee you, we all benefit when we do.
“And to the veterans here tonight, and those wherever you are around the world, I want to say this as one soldier to another: your service matters. What you gave in uniform matters. And people far beyond the military community who see in your example what courage, resilience and leadership actually look like.
“People are watching. The teammate who is struggling. The young soldier wondering what life after uniform might look like. The family trying to find its way forward.
“At a time when societies around the world are being tested, the Invictus spirit has something to teach all of us. This community doesn’t just demonstrate resilience. It helps build it. Never underestimate what your example gives to the world.”
Harry poses for selfies as he arrives at the awards(Image: WireImage)