Prince Harry in Ukraine: Surprise visit’s significance among royalty’s continued support for war-torn nation

Prince Harry embarked on his second trip to Ukraine — this time, as response to an invitation from the country’s government.

The state, which is currently embroiled in a war with Russia since its full scale invasion began in 2022, was first paid a visit by the Duke of Sussex earlier this year.

“It’s my first visit to Ukraine, and it certainly won’t be the last,” he said during his Ukrainian tour in April.

Let’s dig into exactly why the trip taken by Prince Harry on September 12 can prove significant.

Veteran support

While Ukraine has received considerable support from the royal family already, Harry’s address of the nation’s struggles packs an extra punch because it is from the perspective of someone who has served in the army himself.

During his time in the British Armed Forces, the Duke completed two military tours of Afghanistan and participated in active combat zones.

Thus, his support for the Ukrainian victims of war comes from a place of strong resonance.

It is also why he was able to offer substantial advice to the gathered soldiers and civilians during a panel discussion at Kyiv’s National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

“You will feel lost at times, like you lack purpose. Don’t stay silent. Silence will hold you in the dark. Open up to your friends and family, because in doing so you give them permission to do the same,” he shared.

Voluntary duty

Since the Duke is no longer an active member of the royal family, his prominent support of Ukraine holds great relevance as it ensures that he is not offering it merely because he is required to.

Moreover, he travelled for his visit via Ukraine’s railways and accompanied by a team from his Invictus Games Foundation, further confirming his status as a humanitarian rather than a working royal.

British representation

Despite Prince Harry’s rift with the royal family, and the British nation to an extent, his latest trip has inevitably united him with the official stance favoured by both — that of Ukraine’s liberation.

The 40-year-old ex royal arrived in Kyiv, the country’s capital, the same day as the UK government announced a slew of new sanctions on Russia.

While King Charles has greatly supported the Ukrainian cause — hosting their prime minister, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, multiple times since the war began — Prince William met with the country’s troops deployed at Russian borders earlier this year as well.