Prince Harry sparked backlash in Ukraine this week (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry faced harsh criticism from a royal commentator following his recent remarks in Ukraine that generated significant controversy.
The Duke of Sussex made a multi-day, unannounced visit to Ukraine this week, arriving shortly after he and Meghan Markle’s trip to Australia.
Harry drew responses from both the U.S. and Russia following a passionate address he gave at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, in which he called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop this war” and pressed for “American leadership” to fulfill its commitments in the Ukrainian conflict. It comes after Harry responded to claims he’s ‘not royal.’
When asked about Harry’s speech, Trump responded to reporters, “I know one thing, Prince Harry is not speaking for the U.K., that’s for sure. I think I am speaking for the U.K. more than Prince Harry,” adding, “But I appreciate his advice very much.”
He then inquired, “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”
While many commended Harry for his address, others condemned him and argued he should avoid political matters.
Prince Harry went to Ukraine this week (Image: Getty)
Among the critics was Lee Cohen, a U.S.–based columnist and commentator on royal affairs and foreign policy, who characterized Harry’s remarks as “jaw-dropping” and called on him to get a “reality check.”
Cohen told the Daily Express, “Prince Harry’s Ukraine commentary is a jaw-dropping display of a lack of self-perception that demands a reality check.
“Those tied to the Crown — working or otherwise — simply do not wade into partisan geopolitics. Yet here is a man who represents no government or institution, spotlighting himself amid a war, all while clinging to the royal associations that he rejected.
“He talks about his service, yet walked away from duty, trashed the institution that gives him relevance in public, and now repurposes its prestige for personal crusades.”
Mr Cohen added, “He is a walking liability. When will the Palace or Parliament take the necessary action to cut his wings and prevent further damage?”
During his extended, passionate address at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, Harry emphasized he was “not here as a politician” but rather as “a soldier who understands service” and a “humanitarian.”
Harry stated, “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.”