Prince Harry Makes Surprise Virtual Appearance at NATO Military Committee Event

Prince Harry made a surprise virtual appearance before NATO’s senior military representatives, calling for greater support for service personnel after they return from the battlefield.

Speaking to NATO’s Military Committee via video link, the Duke of Sussex argued that the commitment to preparing people for military service must be matched by an equally serious focus on what happens when they come home — particularly those returning wounded, injured or sick.

Harry appeared alongside Invictus Games Deputy CEO Richard Smith and Chief Programmes and Strategy David Wiseman, using the address to highlight the work of the Invictus Games Foundation and its support for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

Harry Highlights What Happens After Service

Harry began by recalling that he had last addressed the Military Committee in October 2024, noting that “a great deal has changed since then.”

Despite those changes, he said the connection between NATO and the Invictus Games remained strong and that there was still significant scope for the two organisations to work together.

“Because at its heart, NATO is an alliance of nations, but those nations are defended by people,” Harry said.

He went on to recognise the men and women who volunteer to serve, train and deploy together, as well as those who fight and later face the process of recovery.

But he also drew attention to the families supporting service members throughout that journey.

“And Ultimately, People Who Come Home”

A central theme of Harry’s address was the transition from military service back to civilian life.

He pointed out that significant time and resources are devoted to preparing people to serve, but argued that the same level of consideration should be given to their lives after service.

“We spend enormous amounts of time and resources preparing people to serve,” he said.

“We must think just as seriously about what happens to them after they have served, particularly when they return wounded, injured, or sick.”

Harry also stressed that military service affects more than those wearing the uniform, highlighting the families who support them in ways that are often overlooked.

“People who volunteer to serve, people who train together, deploy together, fight together, and in many cases, recover together as well,” he said.

“And families who serve alongside them in ways that are rarely acknowledged.”

He then returned to what he described as an important final part of the journey: “And ultimately, people who come home.”

Harry’s Continuing Work With Invictus

Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, and the Invictus Games Foundation has continued to focus on supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

His latest NATO appearance centred on that work and the shared areas of interest between the foundation and the military alliance.

NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone welcomed Harry’s participation remotely alongside Richard Smith and David Wiseman.

Following the event, Cavo Dragone described it as a pleasure to welcome the Duke of Sussex and said that, after recently meeting the Invictus representatives in Kyiv, he had again been struck by their work.

The NATO Military Committee is the alliance’s senior military authority. It provides military advice to NATO’s political decision-making bodies and directs the alliance’s strategic commanders.

Harry’s latest appearance therefore placed his Invictus work directly in a discussion about the responsibilities owed to service personnel not only while they serve, but also when they return home.