Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, stepped forward to defend the honor of NATO soldiers, stating that those who died deserve respect for their sacrifice after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks implying allies were positioned in the rear during the Afghanistan conflict.
On 22 January 2026, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, called for the sacrifices of NATO soldiers in the Afghanistan war to be acknowledged honestly and with respect, following U.S. President Donald Trump's interview in which he suggested allied nations stayed in the rear and rarely faced direct combat.
Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said during a memorial for fallen NATO soldiers—including 457 British troops—that he had served there, made lifelong friends, and had lost friends in that conflict.
The Duke of Sussex's remarks came in response to Trump's interview with Fox News on the previous Thursday, where the U.S. leader said allies did send troops to Afghanistan but stayed somewhat behind the front lines, questioning whether NATO would stand with the U.S. if America ever needed help.
Trump's comments sparked heavy criticism from leaders and ministers in several countries, labeling the remarks as shockingly disrespectful, and faced widespread backlash in the UK from both government and opposition amid rising tension in transatlantic relations.
Source: BBC