Prince Harry has paid a deeply personal and private tribute to his grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, in a gesture that flew quietly under the radar of the official royal engagement.

The Duke of Sussex, who now resides in Montecito, California, arranged for a letter and wreath of red poppies to be discreetly placed at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday, August 15. The tribute, carried out by a friend on his behalf, was timed to avoid drawing attention away from the solemn ceremony attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, according to GB News.

The event, commemorating the end of World War II in the Pacific, honoured the sacrifices of the “Forgotten Army”—the British and Commonwealth forces who fought in some of the war’s harshest conditions. It was a particularly poignant moment for Prince Harry, whose grandfather served in the Pacific theatre during WWII.

A Quiet but Powerful Gesture

Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, served with distinction aboard the HMS Whelp, which was present in Tokyo Bay during Japan’s official surrender aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.

In his moving letter, Harry addressed the note to the “Forgotten Army” and explained the “added layer of meaning” the day holds for him personally: “My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign. He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. 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.”

Harry’s Full Tribute: A Letter from the Heart

Harry’s letter, which bore his personal cypher—an “H” beneath a coronet—opened with a powerful reflection on the meaning of VJ Day:

“On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we pause to remember the day the guns finally fell silent across the world—the true end of the Second World War.”

He went on to honour the courage and resilience of the men and women who fought in the Far East:

“You faced an enemy determined to the last, fought in unforgiving terrain, and endured months—even years—far from home, in conditions most could scarcely imagine… It is because of that sacrifice that generations since, myself included, have been able to live in freedom.”

He also spoke about the path from conflict to peace: “From the lessons of that bitter struggle came the understanding that even the fiercest of foes can, in time, become valued partners in peace.”

And in a final emotional tribute, he concluded: “I am humbled by your example, proud of your service and dedication, and profoundly grateful for what you endured.
Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you.”
— Harry, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

A Moment of National Reflection

The service, which included a two-minute silence and heartfelt tributes from veterans, was attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. A particularly touching moment came when a veteran saluted the King with the words, “My brave King.”

Harry’s tribute was laid only after the royal couple had departed, ensuring the spotlight remained on the veterans and their families during the event.

Prince Harry’s decision to honour his grandfather in such a quiet and respectful manner underscores the depth of his personal connection to military service, and his ongoing commitment to remembrance—despite the physical distance and ongoing complexities within the royal family.