King Charles under pressure as Prince Harry speaks at Ukraine security gathering

King Charles is facing mounting calls from critics to clarify Prince Harry’s role after the Duke of Sussex appeared at a high-profile security forum in Kyiv.

The youngest son of the monarch was seated alongside political figures and delivered remarks on the war in Ukraine.

Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, was seen among leaders and officials including Poland’s former president Andrzej Duda and Ukraine’s former prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

During his speech, Harry clarified that he was not speaking as a political representative and that he was only attending as a former soldier.

“I am not here as a politician,” he said. “I am here as a soldier who understands service, as a humanitarian who has seen the human cost of conflict, and as a friend of Ukraine who believes the world must not grow used to this war or numb to its consequences.”

This speech made critics rush to X (formerly Twitter) with one writing, “Is he representing the United Kingdom or what is happening?”

“Royal Family - When are you going to put a stop to this?” another urged.

A third penned, “I'm trying to understand why a non-working Royal who has no influence in US and UK governments is speaking in Ukraine.”

Other comments read: “At this point The King must step in. Harry is using his position to interfere in politics and that’s just unacceptable and unforgivable.”

“King needs to address why Harry thinks he can make political comments. This is crossing a line, the people will not be told by Harry what to think politically, and sending messages to Putin - it’s outrageous.”