Prince Harry, who remains estranged from his elder brother Prince William, has shared an emotional statement following William’s moving tribute about sacrifice and spirit. The Duke of Sussex recently honoured the “Quiet Heroes” who battled California’s devastating wildfires during an appearance at the prestigious Living Legends of Aviation awards ceremony in Beverly Hills.
Harry, making his second consecutive appearance at the event on Friday, April 25, celebrated the bravery of aerial firefighters who risked their lives to save countless others during the destructive wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County earlier this year. The 40-year-old Duke stood alongside esteemed figures like Morgan Freeman to recognize the remarkable courage of those on the frontlines.
Harry’s appearance came at a poignant time, as Prince William represented the royal family at Pope Francis’ funeral on behalf of King Charles, standing among world leaders in a solemn ceremony. The timing of Harry’s heartfelt speech coincided with the release of William and Kate’s moving ANZAC Day message, which paid tribute to the sacrifice and resilience of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.
In his powerful statement, Harry reflected deeply on the nature of heroism. “There are moments in life that reveal a great deal about who we are, not just as individuals, but as a people,” he said. “Moments that test our courage, compassion, and commitment to one another. And time and again, what I’ve seen — what the world sees — is that first responders rise to that challenge every single time, yet we rarely get the chance to thank them.”
Recalling the devastating fires of January, Harry added: “When flames tore through over 50 square miles of Los Angeles County, we witnessed the true spirit of courage. We saw people soar into danger to protect strangers they would never meet. That’s the essence of quiet heroism.”
Holding back tears, Harry admired the steadfast bravery of these unsung heroes, stating: “There are still quiet heroes among us — steady, capable, and immensely brave.”
Meanwhile, Prince William, honoring ANZAC Day, paid tribute to the enduring spirit of servicemen and women, concluding his message with the solemn words: “Lest we forget.”
Despite the distance between them, both Harry and William continue to shine a light on service, sacrifice, and courage.