Prince Harry has affirmed his ongoing connection to the Royal Family despite stepping back from his royal duties in 2020 and maintaining a distant relationship with most of his UK-based relatives. The Duke of Sussex is currently in Ukraine, engaging in various activities to support the war-affected nation.
During his visit to the region, Harry addressed recent criticisms suggesting that his non-working royal status should preclude him from participating in international charity endeavors. Speaking with ITV News, Harry defended his decision to continue his humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth to power and refusing to be silenced by detractors.
Expressing his commitment to philanthropy, Harry stressed his dedication to shedding light on global conflicts. He emphasized his enduring role within the Royal Family, stating that his current work aligns with his inherent purpose. Despite his positive sentiments towards his family, Harry remains estranged from his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, following the revelations in his memoir that strained their relationship further.
Having relocated to California in 2020, Harry has had limited interactions with his father, King Charles, meeting him on a few occasions, including a private tea at Clarence House during his visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards in September 2025. Recently, Harry visited Bucha with his charity Halo Trust, bravely navigating an area laden with landmines, reminiscent of his mother Princess Diana’s courageous walk through a minefield in Angola.
While in Bucha, Harry explored cutting-edge technologies used for mine clearance, including a robotic dog named Spot and AI-powered drones controlled remotely with VR goggles. Acknowledging the long-term cleanup efforts required in the area, Harry highlighted the necessity for sustained support over the coming decades.
In his address at the Kyiv Security Forum, Harry directly appealed to President Putin to end the conflict, denouncing the ongoing loss of life and condemning the reported war crimes and mistreatment of Ukrainian children. Drawing parallels between his current visit to Ukraine and his mother’s humanitarian actions, Harry underscored the urgent need for peace and humanitarian intervention.
By engaging with local initiatives and advocating for peace, Harry continues to uphold his royal legacy while forging his path as a humanitarian leader on the global stage.