Kit Harington: 'My patriotism comments were naive'

Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington insists his recent comments about Brits lacking patriotism were "naive" and "cynical".

The actor, who plays Jon Snow in the hit TV series, sparked controversy last month (Dec14) by telling Britain's Radio Times magazine, "We (Brits) don't have that patriotism now, I think thankfully. I don't really believe in patriotism. I think it breeds small-mindedness... I'm not anti-monarchy... but I don't really believe in flying the flag."

Harington has now admitted the comments were misguided and has clarified his opinion of fellow Brits.

He tells Britain's The Guardian newspaper, "I've said a few naive things in interviews about how we're not as patriotic as we were, but that's from my very cynical, north London side, you know? I grew up in a part of the country (Worcestershire, England) where people are very patriotic about joining the forces and fighting for country. So I don't think we've entirely changed.

"A lot of my peers went into the army and did tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. I've seen a lot of them come back with a change ... requesting to go back and back and back."