Prince Harry has called for respect and truthful recognition of the sacrifices made by NATO troops in Afghanistan following controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump that have sparked widespread outrage in the UK.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Duke of Sussex who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan said the sacrifices of Nato personnel “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.” While he did not mention Trump by name or directly reference the comments, the statement is widely seen as a response to the controversy.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from senior UK figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described Trump’s comments about British troops as “insulting and frankly appalling.” Starmer said that if he had spoken in such a way, he would “certainly apologise.”
The UK was among several allies that joined the United States in Afghanistan in 2001 after Washington invoked Nato’s collective defence clause following the 9/11 terror attacks. During the conflict, 457 British service personnel lost their lives.
Trump’s comments have provoked strong reactions from veterans and bereaved families. A former British bomb disposal officer who served in Afghanistan said he was “dismayed” by what he described as “callous” remarks, while the mother of a soldier killed in 2009 called them “soul-destroying.”
Prince Harry’s intervention is particularly notable given his recent efforts to avoid public controversy while attempting to rebuild relationships with his family in the UK. During a recent visit to Britain to give evidence in his legal case against the publishers of the Daily Mail, he avoided media interviews or public comment.
Royal analysts say Afghanistan was a defining experience for the Duke, shaping his long-term commitment to injured service personnel through initiatives such as the Invictus Games. His decision to speak out now underscores how personally significant the issue remains to him.
The fallout could also complicate diplomatic relations. The controversy comes amid discussions about a potential state visit to the United States by King Charles to mark America’s 250th anniversary. As head of the UK armed forces, the King’s role could raise sensitive questions about hosting such a visit under the current circumstances.
Meanwhile, a former Nato secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, accused Trump of belittling alliance troops and called for a “sincere apology.” he said claims that allies were not there for the US were “simply not true,” stressing that the issue was not geopolitics but respect for human sacrifice.
Responding to questions about the comments, the White House pointed to US contributions to Nato, saying they were helping Europe take greater responsibility for its own defence.
Erizia Rubyjeana
About the Author
