A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Service Nation - Mission Serve

I'm not sure I deserve that introduction. Thank you for the warm welcome.

This is the last event on our tour of North America, but to my mind, it is one of the seriously most important. This is because it is about men and women who - of their own freewill - choose to put their life on the line for their Country. They are the front line of a remarkable relationship between the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, which has safe-guarded our freedoms for a century.

But Mission Serve is about something more than just men and women in uniform. It is about our other halves. The half that makes the loved one's duty and sacrifices possible and worthwhile. It is about you: families, partners and friends.

The idea behind Service Nation Mission Serve - an initiative strongly supported by The First Lady and Dr. Biden - is simple, but truly inspirational. To help those returning from active service to open a new chapter in their lives and find employment when they retire from the military. Service Nation Mission Serve, and all the companies and employers taking part today, are providing opportunities which mean something very immediate and personal to us.

Catherine and I both have friends back in Britain who could benefit from a brilliant initiative like this.

I am delighted, therefore, that our Foundation - and in that I include my low-flying Apache very average brother - is a partner in today's event. We have much to learn from you. Thank you for this opportunity. I would also like to thank Sir Howard, Michael Linton and Sony Pictures Studio for hosting us in this iconic location.

As this is my last opportunity before we leave this afternoon, I would just say, on behalf of us both, how grateful we are to have been welcomed so warmly in the Golden State and the City of Angels. Thank you so much.