Donald Trump has said the Duke of Sussex “is not speaking for the UK” after Prince Harry delivered an impassioned speech urging the United States to honour its international treaty obligations in the Ukraine conflict.
Trump Responds to Harry’s Kyiv Speech
Reacting to Harry’s surprise visit to Ukraine and his address at the Kyiv Security Forum, the US president told reporters: “I know one thing, Prince Harry is not speaking for the UK, that’s for sure. I think I am speaking for the UK more than Prince Harry.” In a seemingly sarcastic tone, Trump added: “But I appreciate his advice very much.”
Mr Trump then asked: “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”
Harry’s Speech at the Kyiv Security Forum
On Thursday, Prince Harry delivered a lengthy and impassioned speech at the Kyiv Security Forum, emphasising that he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and a “humanitarian”. In a rare intervention on global affairs, the Duke of Sussex turned his attention to the United States, without directly naming President Trump, urging “American leadership” to “honour its international treaty obligations” and maintain its “enduring role in global security”.
Harry stated: “The United States has a singular role in this story. Not only because of its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was part of the assurance that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders would be respected. This is a moment for American leadership, a moment for America, to show that it can honour its international treaty obligations – not out of charity but out of its enduring role in global security and strategic stability.”
Harry’s Visit to Ukraine
The Duke’s unannounced visit to Ukraine – his third since the war began in 2022 – came shortly after he concluded a tour of Australia with his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. On his journey to Ukraine, Harry stopped in the UK only for transit purposes.
The King and Queen are scheduled to travel to the United States on Monday for a four-day visit, during which they will meet with President Trump. Trump has indicated that the visit could “absolutely” help mend relations with the UK, which have been strained over the Iran war.
