Prince Harry has once again shown his commitment to wounded soldiers, this time by visiting Ukraine and delivering a heartfelt message: don’t suffer in silence.
The Duke of Sussex urged injured service members to lean on their families and communities, reminding them that healing goes beyond the physical wounds of war.
Harry’s Visit to Kyiv
Just a day after reuniting with King Charles in London for the first time in nearly two years, Harry travelled to Kyiv as patron of the Invictus Games Foundation.
There, he spent time with injured soldiers and their families, encouraging them to open up about their struggles instead of keeping pain bottled up.
“Don’t stay silent. Silence will hold you in the dark,” he told them.
“When you share with your friends and family, you give them permission to do the same.”
Drawing on His Own Military Life
Harry’s words carried weight because of his own experience in uniform.
Having served two tours in Afghanistan, he knows the emotional challenges soldiers face once the battles are over.
“You will feel lost at times, like you lack purpose,” he admitted. “However dark those days are, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Recognising Families Behind the Uniform
The Duke didn’t forget the role of loved ones, singling out the wives and mothers who keep injured soldiers strong.
“They deserve as much respect as anyone who serves,” he said, acknowledging the vital role of family support.
He also mentioned that he had consulted Meghan Markle before making the trip to Ukraine, showing how much he values her guidance.
Honouring Ukraine’s Fallen
During his time in Kyiv, Harry laid a wreath at Maidan Square, paying tribute to those who gave their lives defending their country.
He also joined a fundraising lunch for the Superhumans rehabilitation network, which is working to build five new recovery centres across Ukraine—each costing more than R370 million.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
Harry’s visit wasn’t just symbolic. He also met with Ukraine’s veterans minister, Natalia Kalmykova, and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to discuss long-term support for the more than 150,000 seriously wounded Ukrainians.
His team promised to strengthen Ukraine’s ties with the Invictus Games Foundation, ensuring continued support in the years ahead.
Recovery Beyond the Battlefield
Prince Harry’s message in Ukraine reflects a universal truth: the transition from soldier to civilian is never easy.
Whether in Britain, Ukraine, or elsewhere, veterans need more than medical care—they need family, friendship, and community to truly recover.