Prince Harry Says Nato Troops’ Sacrifice in Afghanistan Deserves Respect After Trump Remarks

Prince Harry has spoken out. He responded after comments by Donald Trump about Nato’s role in Afghanistan. These comments sparked anger among veterans, bereaved families, and political leaders in the UK and beyond.

The Duke of Sussex completed two deployments to Afghanistan during his military career. He said the sacrifices made by allied troops “must be spoken about truthfully and with respect”.

In a statement, he recalled Nato’s invocation of its collective defence clause for the first and only time. This occurred following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United States. The situation led many allied nations to send forces to Afghanistan.

“I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there,” Prince Harry said. “Thousands of lives were changed forever. Those sacrifices deserve to be recognised with honesty and dignity.”

UK leaders condemn Trump’s remarks

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Mr Trump’s comments as “insulting and frankly appalling.” He stated that the bravery of British troops should never be questioned.

The UK lost 457 service personnel during the Afghanistan conflict. The conflict lasted two decades. It involved forces from across Nato and partner countries.

Former defence minister and veteran Tobias Ellwood said the remarks ignored the reality of allied involvement on the front lines. He said the prime minister should summon the US ambassador to demand an apology.

A former Nato secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, also criticised Mr Trump. He said no US president should “belittle the legacy” of soldiers who did not return home.

Families and veterans respond

The comments have caused distress among families of those killed in Afghanistan.

Helena Tym said the remarks were “as personal as it gets”. Her son, Cyrus Thatcher, died in 2009 while helping an American bomb disposal team.
Carol Brackpool, whose son John was also killed that year, said the words were “soul-destroying”.

Former Royal Marines commando Jamie Grant rejected the claim that British forces stayed away from danger, calling it “absolutely ludicrous”.

Canadian veterans also expressed anger. Canada lost 158 soldiers in Afghanistan, the third-highest toll after the US and the UK. Michael Akpata, who served there in 2007, said the sacrifices of allied troops were being unfairly diminished.

US voices push back

Some American officials and veterans have also criticised the remarks.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton said the comments were “very harmful” to relations with allies. Republican congressman Don Bacon said European troops had fought “side by side” with US forces and paid a heavy price.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis served as Nato’s supreme allied commander. He said hundreds of allied soldiers died under his command. They died “on the front lines”.

White House defends position

The White House responded to the controversy. It pointed to the United States’ financial contributions to Nato. Washington continues to push European allies to take more responsibility for their own defence.

The US spends more on defence than any other Nato member. However, it still falls short of the alliance’s long-term target of 5% of GDP. None of its members currently meet this goal.

Prince Harry’s military service

Prince Harry served for ten years in the British Army. He was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and later returned in 2012 as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner.

He has continued to support veterans’ causes since leaving active service.

In his statement, he said the human cost of the war must not be reduced to political rhetoric.

“Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children grew up without parents,” he said. “Those sacrifices deserve to be remembered with truth and respect.”