Prince Harry has shared previously unseen photographs of his deployment in Afghanistan following his strong message directed at Donald Trump today.
The Duke of Sussex, aged 41, expressed in a statement released today that NATO troops who supported the US and gave their lives should be honored with “respect.” This comes after the President implied that they had avoided frontline duties. In contrast to Trump’s remarks, Prince Harry emphasized that these troops “deserve to be acknowledged truthfully.”
To underline his stance, the royal has unveiled new glimpses into his decade-long military service, displaying him in full combat gear and armed with heavy weaponry.
The images depict the Prince in protective attire seated in a Spartan armored vehicle, wielding a heavy-duty gun alongside two fellow soldiers, one of whom is identified as Lance Corporal of Horse Chris “Dougie” Douglass. While it remains uncertain if the photos, captured by John Stillwell, were taken on the frontlines, Prince Harry mentioned in his statement that he had experienced the loss of friends during his time in Afghanistan.
He stated, “In 2001, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first – and only – time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obligated to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies responded to that call.”
“I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone mourned 457 service personnel. Numerous lives were forever altered. Parents mourned sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families continue to bear the burden.”
“These sacrifices merit truthful and respectful acknowledgment as we remain unified and committed to the defense of diplomacy and peace.”
The Duke, who retired as a captain after a decade-long armed forces career that included two deployments to Afghanistan, was reacting to Trump’s contentious statement. The President suggested that the US had never required allied troops who perished while fighting for them after NATO invoked Article 5.
During an interview, Trump remarked, “We’ve never needed them … They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan … and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.”
Trump’s comments sparked immediate criticism, particularly in the UK, where close ally Keir Starmer denounced the remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling.” Starmer expressed, “I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice they made for their country.”
“There are also many who sustained injuries, some life-changing. Therefore, I find President Trump’s comments insulting and frankly appalling, causing immense pain to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.”
