In a rare political statement, Prince Harry has joined the British Prime Minister in condemning recent comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding NATO troops. The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, stated that the sacrifices made by British soldiers deserve to be spoken about “truthfully and with respect”.
The remarks came after Trump suggested that European NATO members were not contributing their fair share to the military alliance. Speaking at a NATO summit in London, the US President stated that countries “should pay for [their] protection” and that the US was “protecting Europe” at a cost to American taxpayers.
Prince Harry, who has long been a vocal advocate for the armed forces, took issue with Trump’s characterisation of NATO’s role. In a statement released through Kensington Palace, the Prince said: “The troops I served with in Afghanistan gave their all in the service of their country. They made huge personal sacrifices, and many suffered life-changing injuries and the loss of comrades. Their service and their sacrifice should never be forgotten.”
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, echoed these sentiments, stating that the “astonishing bravery and sacrifice” of British troops deserved the “deepest respect”. Johnson went on to stress the importance of the NATO alliance, which he described as “the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security”.
Trump’s remarks come at a delicate time for the NATO alliance, with tensions high between member states over issues such as defence spending and policy towards Russia. The US President has repeatedly criticised other NATO members for not meeting the alliance’s target of spending 2% of GDP on defence, a position that has caused friction with European leaders.
However, Prince Harry and the Prime Minister’s intervention suggests that there is a growing pushback against Trump’s combative approach to the alliance. Both men emphasised the vital role that NATO has played in preserving peace and security in Europe since the end of the Second World War.
In his statement, Prince Harry also noted the personal toll that military service had taken on him, stating that he had “the utmost respect for the bravery” of those who had served alongside him. The Duke’s comments are a rare foray into the political arena, and underline the depth of feeling within the British establishment regarding the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces.
As the NATO summit continues, the dispute over defence spending and the US’s role within the alliance is likely to remain a key point of contention. However, the intervention of Prince Harry and the Prime Minister suggests that the British government is determined to defend the legacy of its military personnel, even in the face of criticism from the US President.
