Trump says Prince Harry is ‘not speaking for the UK’ after Ukraine appeal for US leadership

Trump questioned Prince Harry’s authority after Kyiv speech urging US action on Ukraine, highlighting tensions over global leadership roles
Trump responded to Prince Harry's Kyiv speech, saying he did not represent the UK (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Trump responded to Prince Harry's Kyiv speech, saying he did not represent the UK (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka, AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 23, dismissed Prince Harry’s comments on the Ukraine conflict, stating that the Duke of Sussex “is not speaking for the UK.”

Trump's reaction followed a speech in Kyiv where Harry said the United States must fulfill its “enduring role in global security” by continuing support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Trump says Prince Harry is not speaking for the UK

President Trump was quick to clarify that he does not view the Duke as a representative of British interests.

Speaking to reporters about Harry’s visit, Trump said, “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.”

While he was firm about the Duke’s lack of authority, he added a sarcastic note, saying, “But I appreciate his advice very much.”

Trump also referenced the Prince’s personal life, saying, “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”

Britain's Prince Harry speaks during the Security Forum in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
Britain's Prince Harry spoke during the Security Forum in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday, April 23, 2026 (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Prince Harry remarks in Kyiv Security Forum

Prince Harry’s visit to Ukraine was his third since the war began in 2022, and it came immediately after he finished a tour in Australia.

During his address at the Kyiv Security Forum, he said he was “not here as a politician” but as “a soldier who understands service” and “a humanitarian.”

He emphasized that the United States has a “singular role” in the conflict, noting that when Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons, America was among those that assured its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prince Harry calls for stronger US leadership on Ukraine

The Duke argued that the current conflict is “a moment for American leadership,” urging Washington to uphold its international commitments.

“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,” he said.

From left, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad, listen to President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Officials listened as President Donald Trump addressed reporters at the White House in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Harry acknowledged Europe’s significant contributions to Ukraine’s defense but stressed that the pace of support must increase.

“Europe has stood up in profound ways… The task now is to match endurance with speed,” he said.

Timing of remarks draws attention

The timing of the remarks comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel to the United States for a four-day visit.

Trump has expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting, suggesting it could “absolutely” help mend relations that were strained in recent months.

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