In a statement, Prince Harry highlighted the hundreds of British service members who lost their lives following the invocation of Article 5 in 2001—the only time in NATO’s history the collective defense clause has been triggered. He said:
“Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed. 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. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
Prince Harry completed two tours in Afghanistan—first for 10 weeks in Helmand Province between 2007 and 2008, and later in 2012 for 20 weeks with the Army Air Corps. His experiences in the conflict inspired him to create the Invictus Games in 2014, a sporting event for wounded and injured veterans, for which he remains a dedicated patron.
The Duke’s statement followed President Trump’s comments suggesting that NATO troops “stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines” during the war. The remarks sparked criticism from several leaders, including UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, who described them as “insulting and frankly appalling” and called for recognition of the sacrifices made by coalition forces.
Prince Harry’s response underlined the importance of remembering the service and dedication of all allied troops in Afghanistan and honoring the families affected by the conflict.