Trump rebukes Prince Harry over Ukraine remarks

US President Donald Trump said Prince Harry “is not speaking for the UK” after the Duke urged Washington to uphold its obligations in the Ukraine conflict during a speech in Kyiv, as per British media reports.

“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,” Trump told reporters, before adding: “But I appreciate his advice very much.”

Trump also struck a lighter tone, asking: “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”

Harry made the remarks during a visit to Ukraine, where he addressed the Kyiv Security Forum, saying he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and a “humanitarian.” In a rare intervention on global affairs, he called on “American leadership” to “honour its international treaty obligations” in Ukraine.

“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,” Harry said.

“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.”

His unannounced trip — his third to Ukraine since 2022 — came shortly after a visit to Australia with Meghan Markle.

Trump’s remarks come ahead of a planned US visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who are due to meet the president in Washington. He said the visit could “absolutely” help mend strained ties, describing Charles as “a great man” and adding: “He’s a brave man, and he’s a great man. They would absolutely be a positive.”

At the same time, Trump renewed criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he does not think Starmer “has a chance” of repairing relations unless he changes course, including tightening immigration policy.

Responding to Trump’s remarks, Starmer said: “Well look, I’m the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and I make my decisions based on what’s in the British national interest, and not what other people say or do.”

“I’m here to serve the British people always… That is my duty. I will stick to it, and I’m not going to be diverted or deflected from that by what anybody else says.”

By Tamilla Hasanova