Prince Harry Makes Unannounced Visit to Kyiv
Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 23, 2026—his third trip to the country since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
During his visit, he addressed the Kyiv Security Forum. Separately, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the speech, stating that Prince Harry does not represent the United Kingdom.
Visit Itinerary
Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv from Poland by overnight train. His two-day visit includes the following scheduled activities:
- Kyiv Security Forum: He delivered an address to the forum, which gathers diplomats and military officials to discuss challenges facing Ukraine.
- Invictus Games Foundation: He is expected to meet with Ukrainian participants of the Invictus Games, an organization that supports wounded veterans through sports.
- HALO Trust: He is scheduled to visit the de-mining charity HALO Trust, which was previously sponsored by his late mother, Princess Diana.
Statements Made During the Visit
Upon arrival, Prince Harry stated, “It’s good to be back in Ukraine,” according to ITV News. He described Ukraine as “a country bravely and successfully defending Europe’s eastern flank” and added that “it matters that we don’t lose sight of the significance of that.”
During his address at the Kyiv Security Forum, he referenced the role of the United States in relation to Ukraine. He said that the United States has a responsibility to honor its international treaty obligations regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders. He stated:
“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 also noted Europe’s support but called for faster action, stating, “The task now is to match endurance with speed.” He described the war as an ideological battle and, referring to the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, said that under international law this can constitute an act of genocide.
Reaction from Former President Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a public statement, criticized Prince Harry’s speech. 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.”
He added, “But I appreciate his advice very much.” Trump also asked about Prince Harry and his wife, saying, “How’s he doing? How’s his wife? Please give her my regards.”
Relevant Context
Prince Harry’s visit coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to Cyprus to secure a €90 billion loan from the European Union, which EU ambassadors approved after Hungary lifted its veto. President Zelenskyy has previously warned about the risk of global attention shifting away from the war in Ukraine to conflicts elsewhere.
The King and Queen are scheduled to travel to the United States for a four-day visit starting Monday, during which they are expected to meet with former President Trump.