By Aaron Miller-
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, took center stage in a humorous “debut” stand-up act at the star-studded 17th annual Stand Up For Heroes event held at the Lincoln Centre in New York.
In a video message, Prince Harry entertained the audience with a flurry of jokes, including playful jabs about never facing scrutiny, while also emphasizing the importance of the military community.
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The video of Harry’s comedic performance was widely circulated online on Tuesday, coinciding with the King’s first State Opening as the monarch, making for an eventful day in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Prince Harry, who recently relocated to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle, made light of his own public image, saying, “As someone who never gets scrutinized, I haven’t even had to prepare much, but out of an abundance of caution, I have been working on this particular act for quite some time, and everyone I know tells me it’s perfect.”
He humorously mentioned that his feedback sources were not mere yes-men but included his finance manager, lawyer, and even his Reiki healer.
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Amid the laughter, Prince Harry also spoke on a more serious note about the “hugely important” military community.
He acknowledged their unique experiences and the emotional highs and lows they share.
He emphasized the immense value that the military community brings to society, both during active service and after. “Our community is valued more than you’ll ever know, and nights like this are a testament to that,” Harry stated with genuine appreciation.
In a show of support for the veterans and their families, Prince Harry wore four military medals and a poppy on his suit jacket during the video message.
The Stand Up For Heroes event was created in 2007 by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival. The foundation describes the event as “a tribute to wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their loved ones,” aiming to raise awareness and funds for those who have sacrificed for their country.
Prince Harry’s humorous contribution to this annual event left the audience with smiles and laughter, highlighting his commitment to shining a spotlight on the military community’s needs and challenges. His presence at the Stand Up For Heroes event serves as a reminder of his ongoing dedication to veterans and their well-being.
“I was so relieved to be invited back, but then I started to question whether his invite for me to actually do stand up was, in fact, his idea of a joke,” Prince Harry humorously quipped at the end, showcasing his self-deprecating humor and the warmth of his reception at the event.
The royal’s lighthearted yet heartfelt performance struck a chord, reinforcing the importance of supporting veterans and their families.
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