As conflict in Gaza rages on, Prince William met injured young patients being cared for in several British hospitals. “The prince wanted to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have been through experiences that no child should have to endure,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told People magazine.
Highly “admiring” of the work done by National Health Service (NHS) staff during “this extremely difficult time,” the Prince was keen to express his “immense gratitude” by paying a private visit. “His Royal Highness was touched by the courage of the children and their families, and by the dedication of the team who are supporting them with such professionalism and humanity,” added the spokesman.
These young patients are being cared for as part of a government humanitarian mission, set up after the collapse of the medical system in Gaza following the conflict. Prince William has been closely following the region for several years: in 2018, during his official trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, he met former Israeli president Reuven Rivlin as well as Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. Prince William thus became the first member of the British royal family to make an official visit to Israel, as People points out.
And the future king didn’t just observe from afar. In early 2024, he issued a rare statement on the conflict before visiting British Red Cross headquarters in London. “I remain deeply concerned by the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7,” he said at the time. “Too many people have been killed.”
“Like so many others, I want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. Humanitarian aid to Gaza must be stepped up as a matter of urgency. It is crucial that it reaches its destination and that the hostages are released,” Prince William continued. “It is sometimes only when faced with the scale of human suffering that we fully appreciate the importance of lasting peace.”
He concluded: “Even in the darkest hours, we must not give in to despair. I continue to cling to the hope of a better future, and I refuse to give up.”
Originally published in Vanity Fair España.