Prince Harry has sparked confusion after making an unannounced visit to war-torn Ukraine just days after appearing in a London court to argue he needs taxpayer-funded security in Britain.
The Duke of Sussex met with wounded soldiers in Lviv yesterday, a city that has been repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks.
The timing of the visit has drawn accusations of hypocrisy, coming immediately after Harry spent two days in the High Court claiming he and his family cannot be safe on UK streets.
Lviv, where Harry chose to visit, has been pummelled by Russian jets, missiles and kamikaze drones at least 30 times since the war began. At least 33 people have lost their lives in bombings there since 2022.
Prince Harry slammed with 'hypocrisy' accusations after urgent plea
Superhumans Center
In one attack late last year, seven people were killed, including three children, and 50 were injured when Russia attacked with drones and hypersonic missiles.
The last attack on the city was in November, making the security contrast particularly stark.
Royal commentator Richard Palmer noted the public reaction has been consistent. "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,'" he said.
"While the city is not on the frontline - it is getting regular bombardments, so it is quite a dangerous place to go," Palmer added.
The Invictus Games Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting wounded military personnel and veterans, even in active war zones, amid Prince Harry's trip to Ukraine.GettyDuring his court appearance, Harry's barrister argued that the prince must have his full taxpayer-funded bodyguards restored when in the UK because his "life is at stake".
His lawyers told the court that "Al Qaeda called for the duke to be murdered", saying "his assassination would please the Muslim community".
The case stems from the decision to reduce his security after he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
The legal battle has already cost British taxpayers £500,000, with Harry challenging the dismissal of his High Court action against the Home Office.
Prince Harry, 40, has previously spoken about his intense fears surrounding his family's safety
GettyHarry's trip to Ukraine has also been described as "highly political" given Donald Trump's policy on Ukraine.
Palmer suggested: "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."
Harry, who served 10 years in the British Army, has long made helping injured soldiers one of his most prominent causes, founding the Invictus Games in 2014.
Prince Harry made a surprise visit to UkraineSuperhumans CenterDuring his visit, the Duke toured the Superhumans Center, an orthopaedic clinic that treats and rehabilitates injured military personnel and civilians.
He is now the most senior royal to visit Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion.
His aunt, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was the first British royal to travel to the country when she made an unannounced visit to Kyiv last year.
