Why Prince Harry's Ukraine trip was unannounced? Royal expert reveals key reason

A royal expert has revealed a major reason why Prince Harry’s trip to Ukraine was unannounced following his surprise visit to Kyiv.

In a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Harry urged the United States to take a decisive role in ending the Russian invasion and called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to "stop this war".

It is Harry´s third visit to the war-torn country -- under attack by Moscow´s forces for more than four years -- to support wounded veterans as part of his Invictus Games Foundation.

Speaking at the Kyiv Security Forum, Harry said Ukraine had set an example in "leadership" and "unity" since the invasion began in February 2022.

"The Ukrainian people have done something extraordinary. You have adapted, you have endured, and you have held the line," he said.

"Few believed that would be possible. And yet, here you are. Still standing, still fighting, and still leading," he said.

The KyivPost, citing the UK journalist Chris Ship, shared a video of the Duke on X saying Harry “arrives in Kyiv on unannounced visit, says British journalist.”

Commenting on the post, one reacted, “If the visit was unannounced, how come all these people were there to greet him? And the cameras? Another case of disaster tourism.”

Responding to the person, royal expert Richard Palmer said “Hi Christopher, ITV and The Sun are with him, along with local media. The visit was not announced beforehand and most UK media were not informed ahead of arrival because there was a leak of embargoed information before he and Meghan went to Australia.”