Donald Trump has said the Duke of Sussex “is not speaking for the UK” after Harry told the US to honour its obligations in the Ukrainian conflict.
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 delivered a lengthy, impassioned speech at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, saying he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and a “humanitarian”.
In a rare input on global matters, the King’s youngest son turned his attention to the US – although he did not mention Mr Trump by name – urging the “American leadership” to “honour its international treaty obligations” in its “enduring role in global security”.
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’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 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.
