Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who served as private secretary to Princes William and Harry, has disclosed that he repeatedly “battled” to secure a deployment to Afghanistan for the heir to the throne but was “blocked” due to security concerns.
The former SAS soldier, widely recognised for arranging Harry’s two covert tours of duty in the conflict zone, made the revelation in a new interview.
While the younger prince completed operational service twice, officials refused to permit William the same opportunity despite Mr Lowther-Pinkerton’s persistent efforts on his behalf.
Mr Lowther-Pinkerton held the position of full-time principal private secretary to both princes from 2005 to 2013, continuing part-time for an additional year thereafter.
A former royal aide has revealed why Prince William was ‘blocked’ from following Harry into Afghanistan
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William was 22 and Harry just 20 when he took up the role.
A central aspect of his duties involved guiding the young royals through their military careers. He describes both brothers as “brave guys.”
“When they were soldiers, it was important that they did it right and properly,” he told The Times, explaining his decade-long mission was ensuring they could say, as his Anglo-Irish father put it: “I’ve known the days. I’ve done it.”
When questioned about the rift between the brothers and prospects for reconciliation, Mr Lowther-Pinkerton offered a carefully measured response.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton also described the Princess of Wales ‘cool’ and added that William has ‘chosen well’ | GETTY
“Do you know what? I think I’d better steer clear of that Harry issue,” he told the newspaper.
However, he added: “What I would say is that I was and am very fond of him. He has huge redeeming features, and I’m a perennial optimist.”
The 65-year-old, who also served as equerry to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was speaking to promote his debut novel Beyond the Edge of Light, due for release on 9 July.
The brothers’ relationship has been strained since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, with tensions intensifying following their Oprah Winfrey interview, Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir Spare.
The former royal equerry has said he remains ‘optimistic’ that brothers Prince Harry and Prince William can reconcile
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GETTYLast year, the Duke of Sussex told BBC News: “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
Harry and Meghan will travel to the UK together next month for the first time in four years, bringing their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The visit coincides with the one-year countdown to the Birmingham Invictus Games.
King Charles has reportedly offered accommodation on a royal estate, though no response has been received.