Meghan Markle has publicly backed Prince Harry after he released a statement defending British soldiers in response to US President Donald Trump’s comments about Nato forces in Afghanistan.
Harry released a statement after Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News that Nato troops “stayed a little off the front lines” during the war and then claimed the US “never needed” its allies, despite invoking the collective defence clause after 9/11.
The prince served for two frontline tours of Afghanistan and said in a statement on Friday that the sacrifices made by British soldiers “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
Seemingly in a show of support to her husband, the Duchess of Sussex has posted a series of photos on her social media, highlighting Harry’s military exploits and his role as patron of the Invictus Games.
Meghan Markle shared images of Prince Harry on her social media in defence of the royal after he released his statement
|INSTAGRAM/GETTY
The series of photos shows the duke in a military aircraft, while others show veterans celebrating and competing during various Invictus Games.
During his decade-long full-time military career, the duke fought the Taliban in 2007 and returned to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty in 2012, and qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.
In his statement, Harry said: “In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the first—and only—time in history.
"It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. 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.
Meghan Markle also showcased photos from Harry's Invictus Games
|"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, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace.”
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UK figures across politics hit back at the claim, pointing to the scale of British and allied losses during the 20-year mission.
Downing Street said President Trump was "wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops" during two decades of war and highlighted that 457 British personnel were killed in Afghanistan.
Sir Keir Starmer additionally called the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling” and called for an apology.
Prince Harry served as a veteran until 2015 | JOHN STILLWELLIn 2014, the Duke of Sussex founded the Invictus Games, with Invictus meaning "unconquered," to showcase the resilience of the military community.
The Games provide a platform for physical and mental healing, encouraging participants to focus on their potential and strength rather than their injuries.
In addition, they bring together nations to recognise the sacrifices made by veterans and serving personnel.
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