Prince Harry issues new emotional message as he marks life-changing event

The Duke of Sussex released a new statement.

Prince Harry has issued a new message (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry has issued an emotional new message to mark 15 years since joining an “extraordinary” expedition to the North Pole with injured veterans. The Duke of Sussex became the expedition patron of Walking with the Wounded, a charity which supports veterans with physical, mental, or social injuries on their journey to reintegrate into society.

April 16 marked 15 years since a group of injured veterans, joined by Harry, reached the geographical North Pole after trekking 200 miles across one of the harshest environments on Earth. The group battled temperatures as low as -60°C and completed the challenge in 13 days—three days ahead of schedule.

To celebrate the 15-year anniversary, Harry released a new statement praising “the tenacity and courage of those who serve and who’ve been injured in the line of duty.”

Prince Harry takes down his tent as he joins the Walking with the Wounded team in 2011 (Image: Getty)

The Duke said he is “proud,” adding that the “incredible” expedition helped “change public perception at such a crucial time”.

Harry’s statement read: “I was honoured to join Walking With The Wounded as Expedition Patron to the North Pole in 2011. The veteran march across the ice served as a powerful reminder of the tenacity and courage of those who serve and who’ve been injured in the line of duty.

“Fifteen years on, I remain immensely proud of what these guys accomplished with WWTW. This incredible expedition helped change public perception at such a crucial time. It shone a light on the importance of supporting those who served, and it encouraged thousands more veterans to speak up and come forward.

“It’s always a privilege to stand alongside the veteran community and to support the vital work of Walking With The Wounded.”

Prince Harry tries out an immersion suit on the island of Spitsbergen (Image: Getty)

“Fifteen years later, WWTW continues to support veterans and their families across the UK, providing employment support, mental health care and wraparound care coordination to empower those who have served. However, there are still veterans who need our support.”

The charity said the expedition in 2011 became a “defining moment” for Walking With The Wounded, as it raised vital funds, brought national attention to the charity’s work, and “challenged perceptions of what injured veterans can achieve beyond military service”.

Aside from Prince Harry, the team included Expedition Leader and polar expert Inge Solheim, Walking With The Wounded Founder Ed Parker, Simon Daglish, and wounded servicemen Captain Guy Disney, Sergeant Steve Young, Private Jaco Van Gass and Captain Martin Hewitt.