Prince Harry's sweet gesture to children on Remembrance Sunday after missing out on Royal reunion

Prince Harry has released a rare statement honouring veterans, just hours after he was notably absent from the Royal family's Remembrance Sunday service. The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan during his military career, used to be a regular attendee at the Remembrance Sunday service.

However, since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their Royal duties, they have not participated in the ceremony since 2019. Despite this, Prince Harry continues to acknowledge the service of veterans. Today, he issued a special message marking both Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US.

In his tribute, he expressed his "lifelong admiration and appreciation" for veterans' "service and sacrifice". The Duke commended veterans for their crucial role in upholding "vital role in defending the values of liberty, freedom, and security", stating: "These values bind us together and have shaped you as leaders and role models."

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In his statement, which was published on the Sussex.com website, Prince Harry added: "As you continue to serve making valued contributions to communities, colleagues, households and all those we love my hope is that our communities will continue to serve your needs too, reports the Mirror.

"Your contributions do not stop because you no longer wear the uniform, and the collective sense of appreciation for what you have done for your countries should not stop either. Let today be a reminder that the true measure of gratitude is not in words alone, but in our actions and our ongoing efforts to build a world worthy of the sacrifices that those before us have made and to protect it for generations to come."

"To all those who have served past and present I offer my deepest respect and thanks. Your service has made a lasting, positive impact for our communities, our nations, and our shared future. I am honoured to stand with you."

However, despite not participating in yesterday's wreath-laying at the Cenotaph, Harry left his mark on Remembrance Day. He arranged for a group of children involved with the Royal British Legion's march past the Cenotaph to receive a special treat.

Harry, an ambassador for Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity supporting children who have lost a parent in military service, ensured that the youngsters participating in the procession received sweets, highlighting his continued dedication to honouring those who serve and their families.

Charity founder Nikki Scott shared touching details, stating: "He's very much in contact. He sent the children sweets today as well. They all have sweets in their pockets from Prince Harry."

This heartwarming gesture from Prince Harry follows his candid expression of empathy to bereaved military children, sharing that he understands, perhaps more than most the profound impact of losing a parent at a tender age.

Harry has not been present at Remembrance Sunday services since 2019. A source revealed that in 2020, Harry felt "saddened and disappointed" when a request to have a wreath laid on his behalf at the Cenotaph was denied, information disclosed in a tell-all book.

Since stepping back from Royal duties, Prince Harry also relinquished various military titles including the prominent role of Captain General of the Royal Marines. Subsequent reports indicated that although a wreath for Harry was prepared, it remained unutilised at the Royal British Legion's headquarters in Kent following the decision to reject Harry's request due to his withdrawal from serving as an active member of the Royal Family.

But in the biography Finding Freedom, it is claimed his request was denied because he was no longer a "frontline royal". Instead, Harry and Meghan chose to pay their own tribute and were snapped laying a wreath at the Los Angeles National Cemetery and placing flowers on the graves of two Commonwealth soldiers.

The wreath was inscribed: "In Memory of the Men Who Offered Their Lives in Defense of Their Country". On it, Harry had written: "To all those who have served, and are serving. Thank you."