Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, delivered an emotional affirmation of his British identity during a recent appearance in Toronto, declaring himself "incredibly proud" of his heritage despite his physical distance from the United Kingdom.
The royal, who now resides in California with his wife Meghan and their two children, spoke candidly about the complex relationship with his homeland during a special event tied to the Invictus Games foundation.
A Complicated Love for Home
"My love for Britain runs through who I am," Harry stated, addressing the audience with visible emotion. "It's woven into the fabric of my being, from my childhood memories to my decade of military service."
The Duke acknowledged the challenges of his current situation, having stepped back from royal duties in 2020. He emphasized that physical separation doesn't diminish his connection to British culture, values, and people.
Military Service as Core Identity
Harry particularly highlighted his time in the British Armed Forces as fundamental to his sense of self. His ten years of military service, including two deployments to Afghanistan, shaped his perspective and ultimately led to creating the Invictus Games.
"Serving my country was the greatest honor of my life," he shared. "The camaraderie, the purpose, the shared sacrifice—that experience defined me in ways I'm still discovering."
Building Bridges Across the Atlantic
Despite his family's relocation to North America, Harry insists he's not turning his back on Britain. He described his current role as building "bridges" between his homeland and his new life.
"I carry Britain with me in everything I do," he explained. "Whether I'm in California or Toronto or anywhere else in the world, I represent the values instilled in me from birth."
The Duke's appearance in Toronto comes as he continues to balance his royal heritage with his independent philanthropic work and family life, proving that national pride can transcend geographical boundaries.
