Prince Harry’s public response to Donald Trump’s remarks about Nato troops in Afghanistan carried weight because of his military service and personal credibility rather than any formal diplomatic power, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.
The Duke of Sussex spoke out last week after the US President suggested Nato allies stayed “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan war, comments that prompted backlash from veterans, politicians and allied nations.
President Trump later softened his language, praising British troops and reaffirming support for allies.
Asked whether Harry’s intervention played a role compared with official government responses, Mr Fitzwilliams said the situation involved multiple channels of influence but argued the duke’s statement was still important.
“Well, of course, there is the report that the King put in, or word was passed to Trump from the King or on the King’s behalf, or through Government sources,” Mr Fitzwilliams said.
“Did Keir Starmer bring up comments that the King could have made? There’s a point there.
“But I think it was significant, because Harry was absolutely right to make it, and I think people were sickened by Mr Trump’s comments.”
Harry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan during his decade-long military career and has consistently highlighted the sacrifices made by service personnel.
Prince Harry intervention carried ‘significant’ weight amid Donald Trump Nato row
|GETTY / REUTERS
Mr Fitzwilliams said that his background distinguished Harry’s response from political statements issued through official channels.
“He had seen two tours of duty in Afghanistan. We know that,” Mr Fitzwilliams said.
“We also know he started the Invictus Games. So yes, absolutely.”
Harry responded formally to President Trump's remarks, emphasising the sacrifices made by NATO allies and the historic invocation of Article 5, saying those sacrifices “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
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Harry served in the British Army in Afghanistan
| PAWhile it stopped short of naming President Trump directly, the message was widely interpreted as a rebuttal.
The US President later took to Truth Social to affirm his support for British troops, writing that the “GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom… were among the greatest of all warriors,” and that the bond between the United States and UK forces “is too strong to ever be broken.”
These later remarks were welcomed by UK politicians and military figures, though there has been no suggestion that Harry’s comments alone prompted the change in tone.
Mr Fitzwilliams stressed that Harry’s role should be seen as complementary rather than causal.
Prince Harry photographed in Afghanistan in 2012 | PABy entering an active geopolitical debate, the duke drew on his veteran status rather than his royal background.
Since stepping back from senior royal duties, Harry has focused significantly on mental health, veterans’ welfare and conservation.
Mr Fitzwilliams's comments come amid continued debate about the role former working royals can play on the international stage and how their voices are received when they intersect with political discourse.