Prince Harry speaks out against Taliban: “Support one another”
Prince Harry has released a heartfelt statement following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
The Duke of Sussex undertook two frontline tours of Afghanistan during his time in the British military, and has called on veterans to “reach out” and “offer support for one another” following the heartbreaking events.
He released the joint statement on the Invictus Games Foundation Twitter account, @weareinvictus.
The statement was issued by Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, along with Lord Allen of Kensington CBE, chair of the foundation and CEO, Dominic Reid OBE.
He said the events unfolding in the war-torn nation affected many in the Invictus community.
"What's happening in Afghanistan resonates across the international Invictus community," it said.
"Many of the participating nations and competitors in the Invictus Games family are bound by a shared experience of serving in Afghanistan over the past two decades, and for several years we have competed alongside Invictus Games Team Afghanistan.
Image: Getty Images
"We encourage everybody across the Invictus network — and the wider military community — to reach out to each other and offer support for one another."
The Duke served in the army for 10 years.
He joined the Royal Military in 2005, where he trained as a cadet.
He went on to join the Blues and Royals in 2006 — the second-most senior regiment in the British army.
From 2007 to 2008, Harry rose to the rank of lieutenant while he was deployed with the British Army in Helmand, Afghanistan.
In 2012, he commenced the second frontline tour of Afghanistan.
Image: Getty Images
He had been a helicopter co-pilot and gunner.
US President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan following a 20-year presence has plunged the country into chaos.
The Taliban has quickly taken over major cities and states in Afghanistan.