Prince Harry has urged wounded Ukrainian soldiers to lean on their loved ones, encouraging them to share their struggles instead of staying silent.
The Duke of Sussex visited Kyiv on Friday, just a day after reuniting with King Charles in London for the first time in 19 months.
PRINCE HARRY IN UKRAINE
Harry, 40, travelled as patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. He met with injured service members and their families. He stressed the importance of emotional support during recovery, according to People.
“Don’t stay silent. Silence will hold you in the dark,” he said. “Open up to your friends and family, because in doing so, you give them permission to do the same.”
PRINCE HARRY’S MILITARY EXPERIENCE
He drew from his own service in the British Army, where he completed two tours in Afghanistan. “You will feel lost at times, like you lack purpose.
However dark those days are, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
THE SUPPORT OF LOVED ONES
The Duke also praised the families of soldiers. “The wives and mothers who keep their loved ones on the straight and narrow. They deserve as much respect as anyone who serves,” he told the audience.
Harry acknowledged the support he continues to receive from Meghan Markle, whom he consulted before his official visit to Ukraine.
PRINCE HARRY IN KYIV
In Kyiv, Harry laid a wreath at Maidan Square, honouring those who died defending their country. He also attended a fundraising lunch to help the Superhumans rehabilitation network.
The organisation hopes to build five new centres across Ukraine, with each centre costing over R370 million.
LONG-TERM SUPPORT
Harry later met with Ukraine’s veterans minister, Natalia Kalmykova, and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. They discussed focused on long-term support for over 150,000 seriously wounded Ukrainians.
His team pledged to deepen Ukraine’s partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
Prince Harry’s visit highlights the universal struggle of soldiers adjusting to civilian life, an issue also seen in local veteran communities.
His message was clear: recovery is not just physical, but built on family, friendship and community.
WHAT ROLE CAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLAY IN THE RECOVERY OF INJURED SOLDIERS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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