Prince Harry has unveiled previously unreleased photographs depicting his time deployed in Afghanistan following his strong message to Donald Trump today.
The Duke of Sussex, aged 41, expressed in a statement released this afternoon that NATO troops who supported the US and gave their lives should be honored with “respect” after the President, who avoided the draft, implied they had not been on the frontlines. In contrast to Trump’s remarks, he emphasized that they should be remembered truthfully.
In a move to emphasize his stance, the royal has shared new insights into his decade-long military service with images showing him in full combat gear and armed with heavy weaponry.
Both pictures feature the Prince in protective gear inside a Spartan armored vehicle, carrying a heavy-duty firearm alongside two fellow soldiers, one identified as Lance Corporal of Horse Chris “Dougie” Douglass. Although the origin of the photos by John Stillwell is unclear, Harry mentioned in his statement that he had experienced the loss of friends during his time in Afghanistan.
He stated: “In 2001, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first – and only – time in history. It meant that every allied nation had to support the US in Afghanistan for our collective security. Allies responded to 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 forever changed. Parents mourned sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families continue to bear the burden.”
“These sacrifices should be acknowledged truthfully and respectfully, as we stand united and committed to the defense of diplomacy and peace.”
The Duke, who retired as a captain after a decade in the armed forces, with two deployments to Afghanistan, reacted to a controversial statement made by Trump, who claimed that allied troops who died in combat were unnecessary. Trump’s comments drew immediate backlash, particularly in the UK, where close ally Keir Starmer denounced the remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling.” Starmer expressed: “I will always remember their courage, bravery, and the sacrifices they made for their country.
“Many were also injured, some with life-altering injuries. Therefore, I find President Trump’s comments insulting and frankly appalling, causing great pain to the families of those who were killed or injured.”