Prince Harry has paid special tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, in a personal letter secretly placed at the National Memorial Arboretum, after Friday's national service of remembrance, attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Duke of Sussex asked a friend to discreetly place the letter and a wreath at the Burma Star Memorial in Staffordshire, after Their Majesties had departed, in an effort not to distract from official royal commemorations, which marked 80 years since Japan's surrender at the end of the Second World War.
Friday's service brought together 33 veterans aged between 96 to 105 who served in the Far East and Pacific, alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prime Minister.
In the poignant letter, Prince Harry said: "For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. 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."
The Duke of Sussex was understood to be close to his late grandfather before he died, and previously described him as "a man of service, honour and great humour".
The late Duke of Edinburgh was mentioned in dispatches for his bravery during the Battle of Cape Matapan in the early years of the war, before serving in the Far East.
The Duke of Sussex was understood to be close to his late grandfather before he died, and previously described him as "a man of service, honour and great humour".
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Prince Philip, husband of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was present in Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender in September 1945.
Last Friday, King Charles addressed the nation to pay tribute to the so-called Forgotten Army - recalling his grandfather, King George VI's, broadcast on VJ Day 1945.
His Majesty also praised the leadership of his great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, but did not mention his father, Prince Philip.
Prince Harry's tribute to his late grandfather formed part of a lengthy statement, thanking the men and women for their sacrifice for the freedom of future generations.
Prince Harry's tribute to his late grandfather formed part of a lengthy statement, thanking the men and women for their sacrifice for the freedom of future generations.
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In his letter addressed to the Forgotten Army, The Duke of Sussex said: "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. We also pause to recognise you, the men and women of the 'Forgotten Army,' whose courage and endurance in the Far East campaign were anything but forgettable."
"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."
"Your service in the jungles and mountains of Burma and beyond was marked by grit, unity, and sacrifice. It is because of that sacrifice that generations since, myself included, have been able to live in freedom. From the lessons of that bitter struggle came the understanding that even the fiercest of foes can, in time, become valued partners in peace."
The Duke of Sussex asked a friend to discreetly place the letter and a wreath at the Burma Star Memorial in Staffordshire.
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He continued: "Today, as both our nations mark this anniversary, we acknowledge the respect earned, the lives lost and the enduring friendship that has since taken root."
"For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. 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."
"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."
He signed the letter: "Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex."
Prince Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours of Afghanistan.
With the help of The Royal Foundation, formerly The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, he founded the Invictus Games in 2014, which offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in a paralympic-style competition.
The Invictus Games is coming to the Birmingham in 2027, and Prince Harry has reportedly invited his father, King Charles - adding to speculation that both sides could reconcile their fractured relationship.