Prince Harry releases statement on Afghanistan: Calls on veterans to 'support one another'
Prince Harry has released a statement calling on military veterans to "reach out" and "offer support for one another" following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
The Duke of Sussex, who undertook two frontline tours of Afghanistan during his time with the British military, released the joint statement on the Invictus Games Foundation Twitter account, @weareinvictus, this morning.
Prince Harry served in Afghanistan for the British Army on two frontline tours in 2007-2008 and 2012. AP
RELATED: Prince Harry 'surprised' royal family with book announcement: reports
The statement, issued by Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, Lord Allen of Kensington CBE, chair of the foundation and CEO, Dominic Reid OBE, said the events unfolding in the war-torn nation affected many in the Invictus community.
"What's happening in Afghanistan resonates across the international Invictus community," it said.
"Many of the participating nations and competitors in the Invictus Games family are bound by a shared experience of serving in Afghanistan over the past two decades, and for several years we have competed alongside Invictus Games Team Afghanistan.
"We encourage everybody across the Invictus network — and the wider military community — to reach out to each other and offer support for one another."
RELATED: Veteran credits Prince Harry with having saved thousands of lives
The duke served in the army for 10 years, joining the Royal Military in 2005, where he trained as a cadet, before joining the Blues and Royals in 2006 — the second-most senior regiment in the British army.
From 2007 to 2008, Harry was deployed with the British Army in Helmand, Afghanistan, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
In 2012, he commenced his second frontline tour of Afghanistan, as a helicopter co-pilot and gunner.
Afghanistan is currently in a state of chaos following the withdrawal of a 20-year presence of Western forces in the nation following the withdrawal of a 20-year presence of Western forces in the nation.
In just a few days, major cities and states in Afghanistan have surrendered to the Taliban, who is quickly defeating the country's own military forces in a bid to reclaim power.
Prince Harry launched the Invictus games in 2014, in a bid to help the wellbeing and recovery of injured Servicemen and women, and veterans. AP
The Invictus Games was launched by Prince Harry in 2014, to help wounded and sick Servicemen and women, and veterans while in recovery.
Many who compete in the games have served across frontlines in Afghanistan during the 20-year military presence, defending the nation against a Taliban insurgency and terrorist threat.
RELATED: Prince Harry takes time out from royal drama to share some exciting Invictus Games news
The games are an initiative Harry has previously said he is "extremely proud of", which he instigated after observing "how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women in their journey of recovery."
The fifth Invictus Games has been delayed twice due to COVID-19, but is set to return in 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands
Harry is also due to begin filming a documentary about the games this November, titled Heart of Invictus.
The feature is part of a billion-dollar deal struck between Netflix and he and wife, Meghan Markle's Archewell Productions company last year.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, sign up here to receive our top stories straight to your inbox
Most viewed in Royals
Fresh blow for Prince Harry days after King’s letter clarifying his and Meghan’s royal status
Harry hasn’t spoken to king since return, takes issue with ‘private citizens’ wording
Royals make first balcony appearance after king’s funeral as Marius Borg Høiby’s inclusion draws attention
King Harald V of Norway laid to rest in royal-filled ceremony in Oslo
