The Duke of Sussex has delivered a poignant defence of British military personnel who served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, following controversial remarks from former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO allies' involvement in the conflict.
Royal Response to Presidential Comments
In a statement released on Friday evening, Prince Harry emphasised that British soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan "deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect." This came directly after Mr Trump suggested in a Fox News interview that NATO allied troops "stayed a little off the front lines" during the Afghanistan conflict.
The former president further claimed America had "never needed" its NATO partners, despite the alliance invoking Article 5 for the first and only time following the 9/11 attacks, which obligated all member nations to stand with the United States in Afghanistan.
Personal Experience and Sacrifice
Prince Harry, who completed two frontline tours in Afghanistan during his decade-long military career, spoke from personal experience: "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there."
The royal highlighted the human cost of the conflict, noting: "The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost."
He concluded: "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace."
Military Career and Afghanistan Service
Prince Harry's connection to the military and Afghanistan runs deep. After beginning training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005, he became a Cornet in the Blues and Royals and joined the Household Cavalry regiment.
Frontline Experience
In late 2007, the duke undertook a 10-week tour fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province, operating as a battlefield air controller behind enemy lines. Though this secret mission ended early after being leaked online, it earned him the nickname "Warrior Prince" in the British press.
Determined to return to Afghanistan, Harry retrained and qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot after rigorous training in both Britain and America. In September 2012, he achieved his goal, completing a 20-week stint during which he utilised his Apache flying skills as a co-pilot gunner.
His military career concluded in March 2015 after ten years of service, during which he rose from second lieutenant to captain and earned his Apache Badge.
Political Reaction and Condemnation
Mr Trump's remarks have sparked widespread condemnation across the British political spectrum, with critics highlighting both the substantial UK casualties in Afghanistan and the former president's own avoidance of military service during the Vietnam War.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the comments from Downing Street, describing them as "frankly appalling" and suggesting the US president should apologise.
"I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling," Sir Keir stated. "I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country."
The prime minister added that he would personally apologise if he had made similar comments, underscoring the depth of offence caused by the remarks about NATO allies' contributions to the Afghanistan conflict.
