Prince Harry defends Ukraine visit as criticism mounts over comments and travel

Prince Harry has defended his recent visit to Ukraine, saying he will “always be part of the Royal Family” while continuing to speak out independently on global issues.Speaking to ITV’s Royal Editor Chris Ship, Harry said: “I am here working doing the things that I was born to do, and I enjoy doing it,” adding that people should feel empowered “to speak truth to power.”The remarks come as critics question both the tone and timing of his comments. Writing in the Express, columnist Chris Riches argued that Harry’s call for “American leadership” could risk provoking Donald Trump, suggesting such interventions may be diplomatically counterproductive. In the Independent, Samuel Fishwick questioned the purpose of the visit, describing it as part of a pattern in which Harry inserts himself into major global events while insisting he is not acting in an official capacity.Separately, Harry has faced scrutiny over his environmental messaging after reports he logged nearly 40,000 miles of air travel in two months. The travel included trips to Jordan, Australia, and Eastern Europe, drawing attention given his work with sustainable travel initiative Travalyst.Meanwhile, Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand has drawn mixed reaction around its Mother’s Day products. Tennis star Serena Williams shared a gift package from the brand, praising its presentation, while online critics questioned the pricing of chocolates and candles. The brand has also quietly updated product descriptions to remove references to the royal titles of Archie and Lilibet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/palace-intrigue-harry-meghan-the-crown-royal-family-news-and-gossip--4522904/support.Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Shark Media network.