The Sussexes have paid tribute to the Ukrainian Invictus Games competitor who
died when fighting against the Russian invasion of his country.
Earlier this week, the Invictus Games Foundation confirmed Serhii
Karaivan, described as “a former trialist for the Invictus Games and
Warrior Games for Team Ukraine”, had died during the fighting in the
former soviet country.
Prince Harry and Meghan‘s non-profit
foundation, Archewell, released a poignant statement
on Friday regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The message reads: “Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the
recent loss of a member of our veteran community in Ukraine, who was defending
his country from attack. We also pay tribute to the brave men and women from
our global veteran community, past and present, who have long protected their
countries and families with unparalleled strength and determination.
 |
Serhii Karaivan died on 13 March
“We are continuing to work and speak with the Invictus Games
Foundation daily to help however we can.” They added: “All of us at
Archewell have been inspired by the work these organizations have taken on –
and also by the stories from those on the frontlines.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also made donations to a number of organizations
working on the ground to support the people of Ukraine, including HIAS, The
HALO Trust, and a coalition of Ukrainian media such as The Kyiv Independent,
supported through the organization Are We Europe.
 |
Prince Harry and Meghan released a message that was shared on their Archewell website
“We are also continuing to work with our partners at World Central
Kitchen and The World Health Organization to assist with the global and local
humanitarian response to the crisis,” the website reads.
The organization’s statement noted, “many of the Invictus Games
competitors, alongside the staff and team management, signed up to serve once
again, many of whom already had injuries sustained in conflict with Russia
since 2014.”
It continued: “The Invictus Games Foundation offered support, but
as a team they chose to stay, and serve.”
