Prince Harry Calls Out 'American Leadership' Days Before King Charles' Visit to the US
Prince Harry made rare political comments during his visit to Ukraine, calling out "American leadership" days ahead of his father, King Charles III's, US state visit.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, made a surprise two-day trip to Ukraine's capital city, arriving by train on April 23. He spoke at the Kyiv Security Forum, and without specifically naming President Donald Trump, he pointed to the United States to fulfill its "obligations" during the Russian-Ukrainian war, which started in February 2022.
"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, in part, while on stage. "This is a moment for American leadership. A moment for America to show that it can honor its international treaty obligations, not out of charity, but out of its own enduring role in global security and strategic stability."
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Harry, who currently resides in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, also pleaded to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the violence.
"No nation benefits from the continued loss of life we are witnessing," he said, directed at Putin. "Years into this war, with immense losses and limited gains, it is increasingly clear that this path offers no victory, only more loss."
Harry acknowledged he is "not a politician" earlier in the speech, but visited Ukraine as a "soldier," referencing his 10 years in the British Army, and a "humanitarian."
Although Harry is not a working member of the British royal family anymore, it is still very rare for him to make political comments. His speech came days before his father, Charles, and his stepmother, Queen Camilla, are scheduled to come to the US for four days.
While Charles and Camilla's visit is officially meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the timing also comes as tension rises between the two countries. Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have publicly disagreed over immigration policies and the war in Iran. Despite some politicians in the UK calling for Charles to cancel his US visit, Trump expressed excitement about his majesty coming to the White House.
Trump said Charles' visit could "absolutely" ease tensions between the UK and US during an interview with the BBC.
"He's fantastic. He's a fantastic man," Trump said about Charles. "I know him well, I've known him for years … He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive."
Charles and Camilla will be in the United States from April 27 to April 30, and are expected to have an informal tea with Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, and attend a formal state dinner. Charles will become the second monarch to deliver an address to Congress during his visit after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did the same in 1991.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 8:19 PM.