Prince Harry Rebukes Trump’s Afghanistan Remarks as Allies React with Anger

Melbourne: Prince Harry has criticised US President Donald Trump over his comments on the role of NATO forces in Afghanistan, saying that British troops who died in the conflict deserve “respect” and that their sacrifices must be acknowledged truthfully.

The Duke of Sussex issued a statement amid growing international backlash against Trump’s remarks, in which he suggested that European and NATO troops stayed “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan war. His comments have sparked outrage across the United Kingdom and Europe, with political leaders accusing him of undermining the contributions of allied forces.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s remarks as “appalling” and called on him to apologise. He said it was wrong to diminish the role of NATO troops, including British forces, who fought alongside the United States after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

More than 450 British soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan during the US-led war. Allied nations also suffered significant losses, including 159 Canadian troops, 41 Australians, 43 Danish soldiers, and dozens from other NATO countries.

European leaders joined the criticism, with Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stating that no one has the right to mock the service and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in Afghanistan. In the UK, political figures across the spectrum, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, also rejected Trump’s comments.

Tensions have also grown between the United States and Canada following Trump’s decision to withdraw an invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his proposed “Board of Peace.” The move came after Trump claimed that Canada existed only because of the United States, a statement strongly rejected by Ottawa.

Meanwhile, Trump has further raised international concern by claiming that an “armada” is heading toward Iran, fuelling speculation about possible military action in the Middle East.

Analysts say Trump’s remarks have not only intensified political controversy but also strained relationships between the United States and its traditional allies, raising questions about the future of NATO unity and Western diplomatic cooperation.