Prince Harry is looking back at one of the biggest scandals of his royal years while condemning the rise of antisemitism in Britain. In a new essay, Harry said Jewish families across the U.K. are being left scared after a series of violent incidents.
He also referenced the backlash he faced in 2005 after wearing a Nazi costume to a party at age 20. The comments come as protests and tensions linked to the Gaza war continue across Europe.
Prince Harry speaks on his own missteps as he fights antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred
Prince Harry published the essay in the New Statesman (via PEOPLE), where he called recent antisemitic incidents “deeply troubling.” According to the Community Security Trust, more than 4,000 antisemitic cases were recorded in Britain last year. It is one of the highest figures ever reported.
“That should alarm us, but also unite us,” Harry wrote. “Because hatred directed at people for who they are, or what they believe, is not protest. It is prejudice.” His statement was released as King Charles III visited Golders Green after a recent knife attack in the neighborhood. During the visit, the King met members of Jewish Care and local Jewish leaders.
Harry also reflected on the Nazi costume scandal that drew worldwide criticism nearly two decades ago. “I am acutely aware of my own past mistakes – thoughtless actions for which I have apologised, taken responsibility and learned from,” he wrote. For those unversed, in 2005 2005, Harry attended a costume party wearing a Nazi uniform with a swastika armband.
The prince previously spoke about the incident in the Netflix series “Harry & Meghan.” The Duke of Sussex also mentioned it later in his memoir “Spare.” There, he admitted feeling ashamed after the photos became public.
Harry also said anger over the wars in Gaza and Lebanon should not turn into hatred toward religious communities. He added that antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate both come from “the same well of division” and must be confronted equally.
