Prince Harry undertook a series of engagements in Washington D.C. shortly before his planned return to the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle. The visits, which were not publicly announced, included stops at military medical centers and Arlington National Cemetery.
Military Engagements
Harry began his day at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the U.S. military's flagship hospital. During his visit, he met with service members, medical staff, and wounded veterans. He also participated in a roundtable discussion focused on how technology is being used to aid the recovery of wounded troops. His exploration of sports medicine's role in rehabilitation for service members with severe injuries and limb loss highlighted his ongoing commitment to the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 to support injured, ill, and wounded military personnel.
Following his time at Walter Reed, Prince Harry visited Arlington National Cemetery to honor fallen American service members. He observed the Changing of the Guard ceremony and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He also met with Gold Star families and visited their graves.
Later, Harry attended a roundtable hosted by the military charity The Independence Fund, where he engaged with wounded troops, veterans, and advocates to discuss the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. His final stop was the Washington VA Medical Center, where he toured the Community Living Center and spoke with elderly veteran residents.
Family and Future Plans
This visit to Arlington National Cemetery comes months after Harry's father, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, visited the same site during their American tour in late April. Their Majesties concluded their trip on April 30, meeting with then-President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before visiting the Virginia cemetery. The King and Queen's visit was seen as a symbol of the deep military alliance between the U.S. and the UK.
News of Harry's unannounced trip to Washington emerged concurrently with reports that he and Meghan Markle are preparing to relocate their family to the UK for an extended period, beginning this month. This move aligns with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, beginning school in Britain in September. The Sussexes will maintain residences in California and Portugal. There are no current plans for Harry or Meghan to resume duties as working members of the Royal Family.