Prince Harry admitted he lost “part of [his] purpose and identity” when he ended his service in the British Army.

The Duke of Sussex — who served in the British military for 10 years from 2005 to 2015 — reflected on his experience and the creation of the Invictus Games during a surprise virtual appearance before the NATO Military Committee at its headquarters in Brussels Thursday.

He began by acknowledging the committee members, who had welcomed him back following his previous virtual appearance in October 2024, according to People.

Prince Harry (pictured above in Afghanistan in 2014 during his service in the British Army) admitted he lost “part of [his] purpose and identity” when he left the military. Getty Images

Harry (seen above during a visit to RAF Honington in 2010) appeared virtually before the NATO Military Committee at its headquarters in Brussels Thursday. Getty Images

“A great deal has changed since then. But what has not changed is the common ground between NATO and Invictus — and my belief that there is far more we can do together,” Harry, 42, said.

“Because at its heart, NATO is an alliance of nations,” he continued. “But those nations are defended by people. People who volunteer to serve. People who train together, deploy together, fight together and in many cases, recover together.”

“And families who serve alongside them in ways that are rarely acknowledged. And ultimately, people who come home.”

Harry (pictured above returning to RAF Brize Norton in the UK in 2008) noted that “a great deal has changed” since his last virtual appearance before the group in October 2024. Getty Images

But what has not changed is the common ground between NATO and Invictus — and my belief that there is far more we can do together,” Harry (seen above with Prince William at RAF Shawbury in 2009) said. Getty Images

Harry also spoke about the lack of resources available to service members when they return home and leave the military.

“I know something about that transition,” he said. “When I hung up my uniform, I felt as though I had lost not simply a profession, but part of my purpose and identity.”

As a member of the royal family, Harry said he was “fortunate” to have “another way to serve,” using that opportunity to create the Invictus Games and help others “find their way forward.”

Harry (pictured above arriving at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards Sept. 17) also spoke about the lack of resources available to service members when they return home. AFP via Getty Images

“I know something about that transition. When I hung up my uniform, I felt as though I had lost not simply a profession, but part of my purpose and identity,” Harry (seen above with William and King Charles III at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022) said. WireImage

“Invictus is not a sporting event. Sport is one of our tools. Our mission is much bigger,” he explained. “We rebuild purpose. We rebuild confidence. We strengthen families and communities. We connect veterans back into society.”

“And increasingly, we connect nations so they can learn from each other about recovery, rehabilitation, mental health and life after service.”

Harry also highlighted the importance of supporting wounded and injured veterans as they transition to life outside of the military.

Harry (pictured above at the 2026 WellChild Awards last month) said he created the Invictus Games to help others “find their way forward.” Getty Images

Harry (seen above with William in 2022) said that “Invictus is not a sporting event” and that sport is “one of our tools,” adding that “our mission is much bigger.” POOL/AFP via Getty Images

“They may never wear the uniform again. But they can still lead. They can still serve. They can still strengthen their community and their country. And they can become some of the most credible role models we have — particularly for the next generation,” he said.

“That is character built from service, values embedded in one’s blood,” he continued. “That is the Invictus Spirit.

“We are building a global movement that can turn the experience of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and their families into stronger communities, better systems and more resilient nations.”

Harry (pictured above with William at Windsor Castle in 2022) also highlighted the importance of supporting wounded and injured veterans when they return home. In Pictures via Getty Images

“They may never wear the uniform again. But they can still lead. They can still serve,” Harry said in part. (He is seen above with William at the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in 2021.) POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Harry also made an unexpected appearance at a black-tie gala in London Thursday, continuing his recent string of public engagements following his return to the United Kingdom with wife Meghan Markle.

The Duke of Sussex attended the United for Freedom Gala at the Imperial War Museum, where he was photographed smiling and waving to guests in a sleek navy tuxedo.

The event was held to raise money for charities supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, according to the Daily Mail.

Harry made a surprise appearance at the United Freedom Gala in London Thursday. (He is pictured above arriving at the black-tie gala.) WireImage

Harry was photographed arriving at the Imperial War Museum, smiling and waving to guests in a sleek navy tuxedo. WireImage

During the fundraiser, Harry, 42, reflected on his recent visits to the country and the people he met there.

“I have seen something in Ukraine that makes it impossible for me look away,” he said. “I have met people who have lost limbs, lost homes and lost loved ones — and yet somehow find the strength to rebuild.”

Harry highlighted the determination of Ukrainians who have continued to defend their country while maintaining schools, businesses and other parts of everyday life.

During the fundraiser, Harry reflected on his recent visits to Ukraine, as the event raised money for charities supporting the country amid its ongoing war with Russia. WireImage

“I have seen something in Ukraine that makes it impossible for me look away. I have met people who have lost limbs, lost homes and lost loved ones — and yet somehow find the strength to rebuild,” Harry said during his speech. WireImage

He also pointed to their efforts to “develop technology that is changing the nature of modern warfare.”

“But their resilience should never become an excuse for the rest of us to tolerate their suffering,” he said. “Ukrainians should not have to prove, year after year, just how much they can endure.

“Their courage deserves more than our admiration. It deserves our resolve.”

Harry most recently attended the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting in New York City last month, where he spoke about the dangers of artificial intelligence. (He is seen above delivering his speech on stage.) Getty Images

Harry’s speech was cut short about seven minutes in, and when he returned to the stage roughly 40 minutes later, he joked that “AI got into [his] speech.” Janet Mayer/Shutterstock

More recently, Harry attended the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting in New York City last month, where he delivered remarks about the dangers of artificial intelligence.

His speech was cut short about seven minutes in due to a technical failure, and he returned to the stage roughly 40 minutes later.

“Hello again,” he said, joking that “AI got into [his] speech” before adding that it would be “interesting to see what it was so concerned about in part two.”

Harry’s first public outing since returning to the UK with Meghan Markle and their children was at the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards. (He is pictured above at the event, held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, on Sept. 17.) PA Images via Getty Images

When asked how he, Markle and their children were settling back into life in Britain, Harry replied, “Good. It’s good to be back on British soil.” (Harry and Markle are pictured above at the David Foster Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration in Victoria, British Columbia, on Aug. 7.) The David Foster Foundation via Getty Images

Harry’s first official outing since returning to the UK with Markle came Sept. 17, when he stepped out solo for the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London.

When asked how he, Markle and their children — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 — were settling back into life in Britain, Harry replied, “Good. It’s good to be back on British soil.”

Harry was first seen publicly after the family of four touched down in the UK in late August at Tower Bridge Studios in London, where he was photographed signing the wall with a Sharpie in photos shared by the facility on Instagram at the time.