Prince Harry has voiced his concern about the “deeply troubling” rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK, and said he has learned from his “past mistakes” after infamously wearing a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, wrote about the “lethal violence” against Jewish communities in a new opinion piece for the New Statesman, also emphasising the importance of “legitimate protest”.
“We have seen how legitimate protest against state actions in the Middle East does exist alongside hostility toward Jewish communities at home – just as we have also seen how criticism of those actions can be too easily dismissed or mischaracterised,” he wrote.
“Nothing, whether criticism of a government or the reality of violence and destruction, can ever justify hostility toward an entire people or faith.”
Harry also acknowledged the “deep and justified alarm” over the devastation in Gaza and Lebanon, but urged people to be “clear” about the target of their anger.
The Duke added he had learned from his own “past mistakes”, and wrote that he felt compelled to speak out because staying silent allows “hate and extremism to flourish unchecked”.
The father-of-two sparked outrage when, at the age of 20, he wore a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party with an armband showing a swastika.
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) later released a report that the costume was linked to 10 antisemitic attacks in the UK within the following year.
Amid the furore, a Clarence House spokesman said Harry “condemns any antisemitic behaviour and action”, and the prince apologised for his “error of judgement”.
“I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone,” Prince Harry said in the statement.
“It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise.”
Harry also discussed the incident in his 2023 memoir, Spare, and alleged that Prince William and Princess Catherine encouraged him to wear it.
He wrote that he was debating wearing the Nazi costume or a pilot’s uniform to the “Native and Colonial” themed party and called his brother for his opinion.
“I called Will and Kate and asked them what they thought,” he claimed.
“Nazi uniform, they said. I rented it, along with a ridiculous moustache, and returned home.
“Willy and Kate were laughing. It was even worse than Willy’s leotard costume. Much more ridiculous.”
William and Kate never responded to the claims.