Prince Harry on Afghanistan mission
He denies bragging about his actions
Prince Harry has released his autobiography, Spare.
© imago/Paul Marriott
“Without a doubt the most dangerous lie”: Prince Harry has made it clear that he did not brag about his actions in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry (38) is currently promoting his autobiography “Spare” (German title “Reserve”). On Tuesday he was a guest on American late-night television. He answered questions from host Stephen Colbert on The Late Show (58).
In addition to some lighter topics, Colbert and Prince Harry also spoke about the royals. The Duke of Sussex was asked on the TV show if he thought the royal family was actively campaigning to undermine the book. “Of course,” he replied, adding that it’s mainly the British media that does it. “But that’s the other side of the story, isn’t it? After 38 years, they’ve told their side of the story. That’s the other side of the story, and there’s a lot in it that might make people uncomfortable and scared.”
That’s why Harry talks about the Afghanistan mission
As an example, Harry then gave his stories about his missions in Afghanistan. He writes in the book that he killed 25 Taliban fighters as a combat helicopter co-pilot and gunner. This does not fill him with satisfaction, but it is also nothing for which he was ashamed. Some veterans and military personnel have criticized the statements in the British press, noting that they may increase the security risk for Harry and the British forces.
Speaking to Colbert, the Duke of Sussex defended the disclosure, claiming it had been taken out of context by the media. “Without a doubt, the most dangerous lie they have told is that I somehow boasted about the number of people I killed in Afghanistan.”
If he heard someone bragging about such a thing himself, Harry says, “I’d be furious.” But it’s “a lie and hopefully now that the book is out people will be able to see the connection.” It was disturbing, Harry explained further of tabloid media coverage, “that they got away with it because they had the context. It wasn’t like there was just one line here. They had the whole chapter. They tore it apart and just said , here it is, he’s bragging about it… and that’s dangerous. My words aren’t dangerous.” But the “spin” of his words in the British media “is very dangerous”.
Colbert questioned, “Dangerous because it makes you and those you love around you a target?” Prince Harry agrees, saying: “It’s a decision they’ve made.” The Royal explained that his motive for writing his Afghanistan memories – having worked with veterans around the world for almost two decades – was to be honest and share experiences without shame. “My whole goal and attempt to share this detail is to reduce the number of suicides.”
“Spare” has been officially in bookstores since January 10th, but the content was leaked several days before.