Harry meets Indigenous veterans during Canberra visit
Prince Harry visited the Australian War Memorial on Wednesday as part of his brief visit to Australia with his wife Megan Markle, with the visit placing a strong emphasis on Indigenous service and recognition.
The visit in Canberra featured a Welcome to Country and a traditional smoking ceremony, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion.
The prince also met with a group of Indigenous veterans, who shared their personal stories of military service and the broader impact on their families and communities.
Michael Bell, the Indigenous Liaison Officer at the memorial, told NITV the visit marked an important opportunity to elevate Indigenous voices within Australia’s military history.
“We’re really excited about Harry coming to visit the Australian Memorial, and more especially, because it’s an Indigenous focus,” the Ngunnawal Gomeroi man said.
“Harry’s chosen to focus his lens on Indigenous service at the Australian Memorial.”
The Prince spent an hour in conversation with Indigenous veterans, discussing their experiences and the relationship between Aboriginal identity and military service.
Mr Bell said the visit could help deepen understanding of Indigenous contributions to Australia’s defence forces.
“Hopefully the veterans will enhance Harry’s knowledge about the impact of Aboriginality, Aboriginal service, and also defending country,” he said.
