King Charles 'steps in' over Donald Trump's Afghanistan comments as Prince Harry hits out
The Duke of Sussex served on two tours of AfghanistanKing Charles’ alleged concerns over Donald Trump‘s comments about Nato troops in Afghanistan were reportedly relayed to the White House.
The US president recently sparked fury after claiming Nato, including British troops, sent “some troops” but “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” amid conflict in Afghanistan.
On Fox News last week, Trump had said he was “not sure” the military alliance would be there for the US “if we ever needed them”.
He then said: “We’ve never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”
These comments sparked huge backlash from families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans. The king’s youngest son, Prince Harry, also hit out, saying the sacrifices of troops needed to be respected.
King Charles’ ‘concerns’ over Donald Trump’s comments about troops in Afghanistan
According to The Sun, the king was left concerned over Trump’s remarks. King Charles is the Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces.
The publication reports that the king’s concerns were relayed to the White House through private backchannels.
A source claimed: “It was made very clear that the king’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not.”
A British official told The Sun: “You would always expect our Commander-in-Chief to defend the Armed Forces’ proud record of service and sacrifice.”
Trump has since backtracked on his comments, as he praised British troops.
Trump backtracks
Reports claim that even UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confronted the US president over the comments.
On Truth, his social media platform, Trump wrote over the weekend: “The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!
It was made very clear that the king’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not.
“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken.
“The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will!”
Prince Harry hits out
The Duke of Sussex was also quick to speak out.
Prince Harry was deployed to Afghanistan twice during his military career, which spanned 10 years.
Speaking on Friday, following Trump’s comments, Harry said: “I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there,” as he paid tribute to Nato troops killed in the conflict.
He added: “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.
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“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.”
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
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