King Charles faces growing calls from critics to clarify Prince Harry’s role after the Duke of Sussex appeared at a high-profile security forum in Kiev.
The emperor’s youngest son sat down with political figures and gave commentary on the war in Ukraine.
Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, was seen among politicians and officials including former Polish President Andrzej Duda and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
During his speech, Harry made it clear that he was not speaking as a political representative and that he was only attending as a former soldier.
“I am not here as a politician,” he said. “I am here as a soldier who understands service, as a humanitarian who has seen the human cost of conflict, and as a friend of Ukraine who believes that the world should not become addicted to this war or numb to its consequences.”
The speech prompted critics to write on X (formerly Twitter), “Is he representing the United Kingdom or what’s going on?”
“The Royal Family – When are you going to put a stop to this?”. Another urged.
“I’m trying to understand why a non-working royal who has no influence on the US and UK governments is speaking in Ukraine,” wrote a third.
Other comments read: “At this point the King must intervene. Harry is using his position to interfere in politics and that is absolutely unacceptable and inexcusable.”
“The King needs to look at why Harry thinks he can make political comments. This is crossing a line, Harry will not tell people what to think politically, and sending a message to Putin – it is outrageous.”
