Duke of Sussex honors 100-year-old WWII veteran in heartfelt video message
Prince Harry has released an emotional video message paying tribute to Ghanaian World War II veteran Private Joseph Hammond, just days after receiving troubling news linked to one of his African charities.
In the video, shared by Sir Hammond on Instagram, the Duke of Sussex warmly wished the veteran a happy 100th birthday, calling him a true hero and praising his lifelong service.
“Happy birthday Hammond of Ghana, happy birthday sir,” Harry said. “Wishing you a very, very happy 100th birthday. The Invictus delegation has just returned from Ghana and says that you are in fine spirits. I am very happy to hear that.”
The Duke continued by acknowledging Hammond’s dedication both in uniform and as a veteran, and expressed excitement over the prospect of Ghana joining the Invictus Games community.
“I truly hope we will be able to celebrate together once Ghana joins the Invictus community,” he added. “I hope to see you soon. Happy birthday sir and take care.”
In response, Sir Hammond expressed his gratitude for the Duke’s kind words and highlighted the growing partnership between his foundation and the Invictus Games. “It is a true honour for the Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation to partner with @weareinvictusgames to establish not just a centre, but one of the very best here in Africa,” he wrote.
Harry’s appearance comes shortly after African Parks—a conservation charity with which he is closely associated—admitted that some of its park rangers committed human rights abuses in the Republic of the Congo, casting a shadow over his charitable efforts on the continent.
