The Duke of Sussex says “banter” in pubs and sports grounds and a spirit of good-humoured “self-deprecation” are among the things that he loves about Britain and which he thinks define British culture.
Although he lives in California in the US, Prince Harry says “Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for”.
He shared his thoughts in an essay published ahead of Remembrance events, with the prince set to visit military veterans in Canada this week.
Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, called on people not to forget the contributions of veterans who might need help “once the uniform comes off”.
The essay, which does not reference the scandal surrounding his uncle Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, looks at: “What it means to be British.”
He writes: “The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands – ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it.”
Prince Harry also writes about drawing inspiration from Ukrainians in their fight against the Russian invasion.
“There is a similar stoic spirit of self-deprecation and humour in Ukrainians, that I recognise more than any other, in us Brits,” he says.
Prince Harry, who runs the Invictus Games for injured service men and women, urged people to remember “those who still carry the weight of war in body and mind, and the families who bear its memory in their hearts”.
This week will see annual Remembrance events, including the ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Sunday.
“Remembrance has never been about glorifying war. It’s about recognising its cost: the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice,” writes Prince Harry.
“It’s also about honouring those who, knowing that cost, still choose to serve.”
The essay has appeared as his brother Prince William is in Brazil for his Earthshot environmental awards.
Prince Harry, who moved to the US more than five years ago, recently talked on a podcast about his experience of US culture.
The host Hasan Minhaj asked him: “What’s the most American thing you do now?” to which Harry replied: “Surf.”
But Harry said he had not adopted other traits, such as drinking Coors Light beer or wearing shorts in a restaurant.
In the podcast Prince Harry also warned about the dangers of social media for young people.
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