Prince Harry's unexpected role on Remembrance Sunday despite missing service with royals

Since dramatically quitting his royal role, Prince Harry has not been at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday despite his military service - but he played a surprise role during this year's ceremony

The Royal Family was out in force to mark Remembrance Sunday - but several members of the Firm were missing.

Queen Camilla missed out due to being unwell with a chest infection, and Prince Harry, who dramatically quit his royal role in 2020, was also not at the ceremony in London. Harry used to be a firm fixture at the service, given his military service, which saw him serve in two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

But despite not being among those laying wreaths at the Cenotaph yesterday, it has been revealed that he did leave his mark on the poignant day. That's because he made sure a group of young children who were given the opportunity to take part in the Royal British Legion's march past the Cenotaph were given a little treat.

Harry is an ambassador for the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers, which supports bereaved children whose parents have died in military service. Some of the children supported by the charity took part in the march past and he made sure they all had sweets to enjoy.

Charity founder Nikki Scott explained: "He’s very much in contact. He sent the children sweets today as well. They all have sweets in their pockets from Prince Harry." Harry's gesture comes after he told bereaved military children he "understands, perhaps more than most" the weight of losing a parent at a young age.

In a letter to young people supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers ahead of Remembrance last week, Harry said it can be "overwhelming and isolating" and acknowledged that remembrance is "not only time to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members but also to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families".

Harry lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash in 1997 – when he was just 12 years old. The duke added in his letter: "We find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep comfort and healing.

"Scotty’s Little Soldiers embodies this spirit of community. In coming together to support one another, you not only honour the memories of your loved ones but also forge bonds that can and will carry you through the toughest times. The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures."

Harry last took part in Remembrance Sunday in 2019. In 2020, he was said to be "saddened and disappointed" not to have had a wreath laid on his behalf at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, a book has claimed.

When he stepped down as a working royal, Harry was stripped of his military posts, including his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines. It was reported at the time Harry's wreath had been made but after his request was refused, it laid unused in a box at the Royal British Legion's Kent HQ.

But in the biography Finding Freedom, it is claimed his request was denied because he was no longer a "frontline royal". Instead, Harry and Meghan chose to pay their own tribute and were snapped laying a wreath at the Los Angeles National Cemetery and placing flowers on the graves of two Commonwealth soldiers. The wreath was inscribed: "In Memory of the Men Who Offered Their Lives in Defense of Their Country". On it, Harry had written: "To all those who have served, and are serving. Thank you."