Prince Harry has strongly criticised Donald Trump over the US president's false claims that allied forces, including British troops, stayed away from the front lines in Afghanistan. The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in the conflict, said the sacrifices of British personnel must be spoken about with truth and respect.
In a statement released on Friday, Harry said: 'In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the first – and only – time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.'
Trump made the comments in a Fox News interview, claiming Nato allies 'stayed a little off the front lines' and suggesting America had 'never needed' its partners. The remarks prompted condemnation from across the UK political spectrum. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called them 'insulting and frankly appalling' and demanded an apology.
The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in Afghanistan after the US, with 457 British personnel killed. More than 1,100 non-US coalition fighters died in the conflict, the overwhelming majority from Nato countries. Critics have also noted Trump's own avoidance of military service during the Vietnam War, for which he received five draft deferments.
Other figures also responded. Sir Tony Blair, who sent British troops to Afghanistan, recalled the 'enormous contribution and sacrifice' of UK forces. Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West described Trump's comments as 'disgraceful'. Defence Secretary John Healey called the fallen 'heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation'.
