The Duke implied criticism of ministers for failing to adequately to make the case for the conflict.
“It all comes back to leadership. They [the soldiers] want to know the leadership is interested and concerned in their welfare. They are tremendously loyal people fighting in a campaign.”
The Duke, the fourth in line to the throne who served on the front line in the Falklands War flying Royal Navy helicopters, said: “They are being remarkably more successful at it than is being adequately communicated.”
While he understood the public misgivings over the military operation, which has claimed the lives of more than 220 British military personnel, the government he said had been right to fight the Taleban.
He said: “If we were not to try to make a change and difference in Afghanistan then it would affect our nation state. At the time in 2003 there was a clear and present danger to the UK.”
In the wide ranging interview the Duke also defended his use of helicopters on official engagements which has earned him the unwelcome nickname of “Airmiles Andy”. He said: “It’s the most cost-effective and sensible way to maximise the use of the time I have available. I probably use the helicopter less than other members of the Royal Family.”
The Duke, the UK special representative for trade and investment, also insisted that the financial sector should not be demonised because of the latest wave of bankers’ bonuses. “They are not all evil or bad.”
In his reports to the Prime Minister and ministers in his trade ambassador role he has privately warned that there was a danger of driving investment away from Britain because of the plans to close tax loopholes enjoyed by millionaire non-domiciled residents.
The Duke, who is colonel-in-chief of a number of regiments, has made a number of trips to Afghanistan since the conflict began. “There are families who are having to suffer the ultimate sacrifice of losing one of their sons, brother, or loved one, They, particularly the troops on the ground, need to know there are people who think that the job that they are doing is thankless and unbelievable. It should come from everyone, not just the government.
“It does not matter if you are a member of the Royal Family or a politician. The communications message has to be that these guys are part of the UK. They are doing a job and we should support them regardless of the politics
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