“I was genuinely overwhelmed by the occasion and the significance of his presence.” – Tony McCawley, chairman of Brackley Royal British Legion

The chairman of Brackley Royal British Legion has described his overwhelming pride after Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the town’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

Tony McCawley, who helped organise the event, said meeting the Duke of Sussex was a moment he would never forget.

Prince Harry joined thousands of people who gathered in Brackley on Sunday, November 8, to honour those who lost their lives in service.

In a Facebook post reflecting on the occasion, Tony revealed the work that had gone into organising the commemorations alongside the local council.

He said countless hours had been spent in meetings, while volunteers had worked over several days to prepare the parade route and make sure everything was ready.

Silhouettes were placed along the route, each representing one of the 85 people remembered on the town’s war memorial.

Preparations also included early starts, marking out the parade square and making last-minute adjustments ahead of the ceremony.

Tony had the honour of leading the parade, standing at the front as the community came together to remember the fallen.

He wrote: “On Sunday, I had the immense privilege of standing at the front and leading the parade, bringing our community together to remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a moment of immense pride.”

However, among those attending was a particularly special guest.

Tony said: “But quietly, away from the attention and the ceremony, a very special veteran had joined us to pay his respects.”

The guest was Prince Harry, who served in the British Army and undertook two tours of Afghanistan.

Tony explained that he had stepped away from the formal proceedings to personally thank the Duke for attending.

He wrote: “In a moment that I will never forget, I stepped away from protocol to personally thank him for attending. I was genuinely overwhelmed by the occasion and the significance of his presence.”

Addressing Prince Harry directly, he added: “Thank you for joining us in Brackley, for taking the time to remember our fallen, and for making what was already a very special day truly unforgettable.”

Tony concluded his message by telling the Duke: “It was an honour to meet you.”

The royal visit added an unexpected dimension to a day which Tony said had already brought thousands together in remembrance and reflection.