The Subtle (& Unexpected) Way Prince Harry Honored Prince Philip

How sweet

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Andy Stenning - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Royal rift or not, Prince Harry is proving that distance doesn’t stop him from honoring those who matter most. While the Duke of Sussex now calls California home, he recently made a poignant gesture across the pond—one that paid quiet tribute to both fallen veterans and his late grandfather, Prince Philip.

On August 15, a memorial service was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England, to mark 80 years since the end of the Asia-Pacific campaign in World War II. Earlier in the day, King Charles and Queen Camilla led official tributes. But after the dignitaries and cameras had cleared, a subtle tribute from Prince Harry appeared at the Burma Star Memorial.

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A wreath and personal letter, arranged by Harry and placed by a friend on his behalf, honored those who served in the campaign—including his grandfather, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

In the letter, per GB News, Harry wrote, in part, “For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign… Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave.”

“Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you,” added Harry.

Prince Philip, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, was in Tokyo Bay in September 1945 for the official Japanese surrender.

Just last month, on July 16, Harry traveled to Angola, where he helped deliver mine safety education to children in a remote village. But the trip carried deeper meaning: he retraced his late mother Princess Diana’s footsteps by walking through a once-active minefield—nearly three decades after her historic visit in 1997.

Even from afar, Harry continues to honor the people and causes that shaped him.

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Freelance PureWow Editor