Prince Harry has called for recognition and respect for the sacrifices of NATO troops in Afghanistan following comments by U.S President Donald Trump that have sparked outrage across the United Kingdom.
In a statement released on Friday, the Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said the contributions of NATO personnel “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
Although he did not name Trump directly, the statement is widely interpreted as a response to the remarks that have drawn criticism in both Britain and the international community.
Senior UK officials have condemned Trump’s comments.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described them as “insulting and frankly appalling,” adding that he would “certainly apologise” if he had spoken in such a manner.
The UK was among the NATO allies that joined the U.S. in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks in 2001.
During the conflict, 457 British service personnel lost their lives.
Veterans and bereaved families have expressed strong disapproval of the former president’s statements.
A former British bomb disposal officer described the comments as “callous,” while the mother of a soldier killed in 2009 called them “soul-destroying,” highlighting the personal and emotional weight of the issue.
Prince Harry’s intervention is notable because he has recently sought to avoid public controversies while attempting to mend family relationships in the UK.
During a recent visit to Britain to give evidence in his legal case against the Daily Mail, he refrained from engaging with the media or commenting publicly.
Royal analysts noted that Harry’s military service in Afghanistan was formative, shaping his ongoing commitment to supporting injured service members through initiatives such as the Invictus Games.
His decision to speak out now underscores the deep personal significance the issue holds for him.
The controversy could also have diplomatic repercussions, particularly regarding a potential state visit to the United States by King Charles to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
As head of the UK armed forces, the King’s role may draw attention to the sensitivity of the current tensions.
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, a former NATO secretary-general, criticised Trump for belittling allied troops and called for a “sincere apology,” stressing that the issue is one of respect for human sacrifice rather than geopolitics.
The White House, when asked about the remarks, highlighted U.S. contributions to NATO and reiterated efforts to encourage Europe to take greater responsibility for its defence.
