Donald Trump has dismissed the Duke of Sussex’s comments on the Ukrainian conflict, saying that Prince Harry “is not speaking for the UK”.
The remarks followed an impassioned speech by Harry at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, where he urged “American leadership” to “honour its international treaty obligations” in its “enduring role in global security”.
The King’s youngest son, in a rare input on global matters, clarified he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and “a humanitarian”, though he did not mention Mr Trump by name.
Responding to the speech Harry made during a surprise visit to Ukraine, the US president told reporters: “I know one thing, Prince Harry is not speaking for the UK, that’s for sure. I think I am speaking for the UK more than Prince Harry.”
“But I appreciate his advice very much,” he added.
Mr Trump went on to ask: “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”
Harry’s unannounced visit – his third trip to Ukraine since the war began in 2022 – comes days after he finished a tour to Australia with his wife, the Duchess of Sussex.
Harry said: “The United States has a singular role in this story. Not only because of its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was part of the assurance that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders would be respected.
“This is a moment for American leadership, a moment for America, to show that it can honour its international treaty obligations – not out of charity but out of its enduring role in global security and strategic stability.”
Harry stopped in the UK on his journey to Ukraine but only to transit through.
The King and Queen are due to travel to the US on Monday for a four-day visit during which they will meet Mr Trump.
The President has said the visit could “absolutely” mend relations with the UK damaged over the Iran war.
