Prince Harry denies branding Iraq abuse claims by UK military ‘a joke’

Prince Harry has denied a national newspaper report that he told friends an investigation into allegations of murder, abuse and torture of Iraqi civilians by UK military personnel is “a joke”.

Harry’s communications secretary, Jason Knauf, issued a strongly worded statement saying the Prince has not expressed a view to anyone about the work of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat).

The Sun has reported that Harry, who served as an Army officer for ten years and was deployed twice to Afghani- 0 The Prince is concerned about the treatment of troops stan, is understood to be deeply concerned about the plight of military personnel being investigated by the body.

The national newspaper quotes a senior source as saying: “Harry is furious at the treatment of some British troops. He thinks the whole thing is a joke and is very concerned about the support these men and women are getting.

“He’s frustrated he can’t intervene, but knows he would get in trouble as it would be seen as political interference if he spoke out.”

Harry has been supporting the nation’s injured, sick and wounded servicemen and women and veterans through a number of projects including his Invictus Games, a competition where many of those competing have lost limbs fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.