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'FRAGILE'

Meghan & Harry say they ‘feel many layers of pain’ as they wade into Afghan crisis – but don’t mention Biden

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have waded into the devastating Afghanistan crisis and described the world as "exceptionally fragile".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they have been left "speechless" at the Taliban takeover but remained tight-lipped on the growing anger at pal Joe Biden.

Meghan and Harry have spoken out on the Afghanistan crisis
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Meghan and Harry have spoken out on the Afghanistan crisis
The couple issued a vague and far-reaching statement
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The couple issued a vague and far-reaching statementCredit: Archewell

In a lengthy joint statement posted on their Archewell site, the pair urged the world to prove "our humanity".

And they expressed their heartache at other global issues - including the earthquake in Haiti and new Covid variants.

The couple - using their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles - wrote: "As we all feel the many layers of pain due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are left speechless.

"As we all watch the growing humanitarian disaster in Haiti, and the threat of it worsening after last weekend's earthquake, we are left heartbroken.

"And as we all witness the continuing global health crisis, exacerbated by new variants and constant misinformation, we are left scared.

"When any person or community suffers, a piece of each of us does so with them, whether we realize it or not. And though we are not meant to live in a state of suffering, we, as a people, are being conditioned to accept it.

"It's easy to find ourselves feeling powerless, but we can put our values into action - together."

The couple asked for support for organisations doing "critical work" as thousands risk their lives in Afghanistan to flee the violent regime.

They also urged those in "positions of global influence" to "rapidly advance the humanitarian dialogues that are expected to take place this fall at multilateral gatherings" such as the UN and G20.

🔵 Read our Afghanistan live blog for the latest updates

Meghan and Harry added: "As an international community, it is the decision we make now - to alleviate suffering among those we know and those we may never meet - that will prove our humanity."

The couple highlighted organisations such as Women for Afghan Women, Afghanaid and Mercy Corps - but didn't elaborate on how they were supporting them.

The statement comes just hours after Harry called on military veterans to "support one another" amid the brutal takeover.

AFGHAN CRISIS

Harry, who spent 10 years in the Army and went on two tours of duty on the frontline in Afghanistan, referenced the Invictus Games.

But their response is likely to raise eyebrows as the pair have been such big supporters of under-fire president Joe Biden in the past.

He has been slammed for standing by his controversial decision to remove American troops out of Afghanistan - leading the way for the Taliban to seize power.

Mr Biden also blasted the Afghan army for "giving up" in a speech branded "one of the most shameful in US history" after days of silence on the crisis.

The president said: "The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated.

"So what's happened?

"Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country."

ROYAL PALS

Both Harry and Meghan suggested Americans should vote for Mr Biden ahead of last year's US election.

Although the Duke of Sussex wasn’t allowed to vote in the recent US elections, he did break royal protocol for the first time in openly talking about politics alongside Meghan, who did cast a vote. 

The royal couple urged people to go out and vote, with Harry saying it is time to “reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity”. 

But many saw the video as a thinly veiled attempt by the royals to get their fans to vote Donald Trump out of office.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Meghan also called the 2020 White House race the "most important of our lifetime".

The Duke of Sussex is also a close friend of Mr Biden's wife Jill.

Prince Harry (pictured serving in the Army) has called on military veterans to 'support one another'
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Prince Harry (pictured serving in the Army) has called on military veterans to 'support one another'
The royal, who carried out a tour in Afghanistan, spoke out at the current crisis
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The royal, who carried out a tour in Afghanistan, spoke out at the current crisisCredit: Getty - Contributor
The royal is good friends with Joe Bide, who has been slammed over his actions
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The royal is good friends with Joe Bide, who has been slammed over his actions
The Taliban have seized control of Afghanistan
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The Taliban have seized control of AfghanistanCredit: AFP
Afghans are desperately trying to flee the violent regime
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Afghans are desperately trying to flee the violent regimeCredit: AFP
Shocking vid appears to show Afghan stowaway trapped in landing gear of US plane after jumping on wheels to flee Taliban
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