Prince Harry has hit back at President Donald Trump's assertions about Nato forces in Afghanistan by releasing two rare photographs showing himself on the frontlines during his military service.
The US President sparked fury among veterans, military families and politicians after telling Fox News that alliance troops "stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines" during the conflict, while suggesting America's allies would fail to support it in future military engagements.
The two images, captured by photographer John Stillwell, depicted Harry in action during his deployment.
The Duke of Sussex, who spent a decade serving in the British Army, responded with a statement defending his fellow soldiers.
Prince Harry fires back at Donald Trump with Afghanistan frontline photo proof
|JOHN STILLWELL
In his statement, Harry recalled that Nato invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in history following the 2001 attacks, obligating every allied nation to stand alongside the United States in Afghanistan "in pursuit of our shared security."
"Allies answered that call," he said. "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed."
The 41-year-old continued: "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."
Prince Harry served as a veteran until 2015 | JOHN STILLWELLHarry concluded his statement by insisting that the sacrifices made by allied forces "deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace."
His intervention came after President Trump's remarks drew widespread condemnation, with the President's claims contradicting the well-documented combat roles undertaken by British and other Nato forces throughout the two-decade Afghan campaign.
Harry completed two operational tours in Afghanistan during his decade-long military career, serving first as a Forward Air Controller before later flying Apache helicopters.
He attained the rank of Captain before leaving the armed forces in 2015.
Prince Harry pictured whilst serving as a veteran | JOHN STILLWELLLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The US President sparked fury among veterans, military families and politicians after telling Fox News that alliance troops 'stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines' during the conflict
|REUTERS
His first deployment saw him directing air strikes from ground positions, while his second tour involved piloting the attack helicopter on combat missions.
The photographs released alongside his statement represent rare documentation of his frontline service, with both images showing the duke actively engaged in operations during his time in the conflict zone.
The duke, who currently lives in California, is in the UK this week for separate legal proceedings.
Harry attended the High Court from Monday through Thursday as his case against Associated Newspapers Limited commenced.