Prince Harry's clandestine journey to Ukraine might ruffle some feathers among Donald Trump's supporters, a Royal expert has cautioned.
The Duke of Sussex's unheralded visit to meet war victims in the beleaguered nation was revealed yesterday as part of his continued efforts to aid injured veterans. Harry made his way to Lviv after being in London for a Court of Appeal hearing earlier this week, concerning his security arrangements while in the UK.
During his Ukrainian sojourn, he stopped by the Superhumans Centre, an orthopaedic clinic and rehabilitation hub for both adults and children impacted by the conflict, offering specialized prosthetics and psychological support. There, he engaged with patients and healthcare workers to understand the services they offer.
The timing of Harry's trip is noteworthy, coinciding with the United States' attempts to mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Last month saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embroiled in a rare public spat with Trump and his Vice President JD Vance inside the Oval Office at the White House.
Trump, who has recently been critical of Harry, particularly over the dispute regarding his US visa, stated he wouldn't expel the Duke from America, reports the Mirror.
Veteran Royal commentator Richard Palmer, speaking to GB News, said, "I'm sure it will not go down with some in the Trump camp. It is a public show of support for Zelensky and Ukraine. So that may make life a little less comfortable for him in the US when he gets back."
Harry's visit to Lviv, a city targeted in the conflict with Russia, follows his recent appearance in London for a Court of Appeal hearing concerning his security level while in the UK. Harry has previously stated that he cannot bring his family to the UK without police protection funded by taxpayers.
At the conclusion of the two-day hearing, his lawyer asserted that the Duke's safety, security and life are "at stake."
Upon learning of Harry's trip to Lviv, some commentators questioned his decision to travel to Ukraine, given his ongoing security dispute. TV host Piers Morgan labelled him a "hypocrite."
Palmer added, "The reaction has been uniform. People are saying, 'Hang on he's come over because he needs police protection because he's not safe in the UK. But then he's gone to a warzone in Ukraine.'"
However, sources close to Harry told MailOnline that it is "simply incorrect" to suggest his visit to Ukraine is "hypocritical" or that it undermines his security case.
Harry is contesting the dismissal of his High Court legal claim against the Home Office. This follows a decision by the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different level of taxpayer-funded protection when in the UK.
In Ukraine, he was accompanied by members of the Invictus Games Foundation, including four veterans who have undergone similar experiences to the civilians and former service personnel undergoing rehabilitation at the Superhumans Centre. The games, a Paralympic-style sports event for injured and ill military personnel and veterans, were last held in Canada in February, with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in attendance.
The Royal family has been vocal in their support for Ukraine, with Harry being the highest-ranking Royal to visit the country since Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh's trip last year. The King hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk in March, just days after Mr Zelensky's unprecedented public confrontation with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the White House's Oval Office.
Prince William, Harry's brother, met with Ukrainian refugees during a two-day visit to Estonia last month.
