Prince Harry has called for recognition of NATO troops’ sacrifices in Afghanistan, responding to controversial remarks by former US President Donald Trump that claimed allied forces “stayed a little back” from the front lines.

Speaking on Friday, the Duke of Sussex highlighted his personal experiences in Afghanistan, where he was deployed twice.

“I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there,” Harry said, paying tribute to the 457 UK personnel who died during the conflict.

He stressed the broader human cost, noting that families were profoundly affected. “Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost,” he added.

Prince Harry emphasized that the sacrifices made by NATO troops should be acknowledged accurately and respectfully.

“Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace,” he said.

He also recalled NATO’s historic invocation of Article 5 in 2001, which obligated allied nations to stand with the United States following the September 11 attacks.

Context

Harry’s comments follow a Fox News interview in which Donald Trump said NATO allies “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan conflict.

Trump also questioned whether the alliance would support the US “if we ever needed them.” His statements sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders in the UK and across Europe.

UK leaders react

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Trump’s remarks “insulting and frankly appalling.” Starmer added that if he had spoken in that way, he “would certainly apologise.”

Prince Harry’s tribute reinforces the UK’s position in defending the courage and commitment of NATO forces, while highlighting the personal and collective sacrifices made during the war in Afghanistan.