Finally, the Sussexes speak out on Afghanistan

If you’re an Afghan translator sheltering in a Kabul compound, life must seem pretty grim. The Taliban’s triumph has brought with it the restoration of sharia law – a throwback to when the movement ruled Afghanistan 20 years ago. The only difference between then and now seems to be their warriors’ concerted PR push, with journalists on the ground subject to ceaseless Taliban press conferences. If Madison Avenue did coups, perhaps.

But the night is darkest just before the dawn. And now, at last, hope is here: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finally released a public statement. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex yesterday broke their silence on the situation to let long-suffering Afghans and other dispossessed peoples of the world know what they think about their plight. Their statement declares that Afghanistan’s fall has left the couple ‘speechless’ – something it demonstrates by continuing for another 200 words.