Levison Wood Criticizes Prince Harry’s Controversial Memoir Remarks

Levison Wood, a former classmate of Prince Harry at Sandhurst and a friend has criticized the Duke of Sussex’s controversial remarks about killing Taliban fighters in his memoir, Spare, reported by the Mirror.

Harry, who served two tours of Afghanistan in 2007-2008 and again in 2012, claimed in his memoir that he killed 25 “enemy combatants”, sparking widespread backlash. He further inflamed criticism by describing the Taliban as “chess pieces removed from the board,” rather than human beings.

Speaking to The Times, Wood delivered his opinion with a cutting six-word verdict: “I personally wouldn’t have done that.” He added, jokingly, “But he’s sold a lot more books than me, hasn’t he?”

Wood, who has served in Afghanistan himself and is now an acclaimed explorer, author, and documentary filmmaker, revealed he recently ran into Prince Harry at a UK charity event, describing him simply as “great.”

Prince Harry’s decision to disclose such sensitive details has also drawn sharp criticism from former officials. Dai Davies, the former Head of Royal Protection, condemned Harry’s remarks in the documentary Harry – The Lost Prince, released earlier this month.

“I was aware, as indeed he was, that the Taliban and various groups had put a price on his head,” Davies explained, expressing concerns about Harry’s safety. He added, “If you open your big mouth, as he has collectively, that book, not just on that, but given away all kinds of secrets, then it’s not surprising that some people might regard you as a potential target.”

Meanwhile, Wood reflected on Afghanistan’s current state, describing it as “sad, tragic, and a complete mess”. Since foreign troops withdrew in 2021, the Taliban has maintained control over the country. Humanitarian conditions have worsened significantly, with the Afghanistan Mercy Corps reporting that half the population requires humanitarian aid and over a third face severe food insecurity as of August 2024.

Adding to the bleak outlook, the European Union recently condemned the Taliban for human rights violations. Earlier this month, reports emerged that the militant group had ordered institutions to cease providing medical courses for women—further restricting access to education and healthcare.

While Prince Harry’s memoir continues to stir controversy, Levison Wood’s comments reflect a growing debate about whether such disclosures, however personal, risk broader consequences.