Prince Harry criticised after Ukraine speech remarks
Prince Harry has faced fresh criticism after comments he made during a visit to Ukraine drew a sharp response from US political figures and a royal commentator. The Duke of Sussex travelled to Ukraine on an unannounced trip and delivered a speech at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, in which he urged international support for the country and called for “American leadership” in honouring commitments linked to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In remarks quoted by Express, Donald Trump told reporters that Prince Harry was “not speaking for the UK” and added that he believed he was “speaking for the UK more” than the Duke, while also saying he appreciated the advice.
The report said the comments followed Prince Harry’s appeal in Kyiv for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop this war” and for the United States to honour treaty obligations, with the Duke saying he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and a “humanitarian”. While some praised the intervention, others criticised him for stepping into geopolitics after no longer being a working member of the Royal Family.
US-based columnist and royal and foreign policy commentator Lee Cohen, quoted in the same report, described Prince Harry’s comments as “jaw-dropping” and called for a “reality check”, arguing that those “tied to the Crown—working or otherwise—simply do not wade into partisan geopolitics”. The latest debate follows earlier scrutiny after Prince Harry’s Ukraine trip sparked debate over timing in the days surrounding his public engagements abroad.
The episode underscores the continuing sensitivity around Prince Harry’s public interventions on international issues, particularly where they intersect with the UK’s diplomatic posture, and is likely to keep attention on how the Duke frames future appearances and speeches outside official royal duties.
