
The Duke of Cambridge was in Palestine yesterday where he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. The meeting took place during the first West Bank trip for a member of the Royal Family.
While in Israel on Tuesday, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin requested that the Prince take with him a “message of peace” to the Palestinian Territories and the Palestinian President. President Rivlin also asked William to tell President Abbas, “It is about time that we have to find together the way to… build confidence as a first step to bring to understanding that we have to bring to an end the tragedy between us.”
During his meeting with President Abbas, His Royal Highness said, “I’m very glad that our two countries work so closely together and have had success stories with education and relief work in the past. So, long may that continue. My sentiment’s the same as yours in hoping there’s a lasting peace for the region.”
This was in response to President Abba’s remark that “the Palestinian side is committed to the peace process with the Israelis.”
The President also solidified his commitment to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, adding that His Royal Highness’s visit to the region would “deepen and strengthen” ties between the United Kingdom and Palestine.
His time in Palestine also included visits to the Jalazone Refugee Camp, Jalazone Girls’ school, Ramallah Friends School and a cultural festival in Ramallah. His Royal Highness met staff, patients and families who are involved with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency Child Vaccination programme. He also met the School Parliament at the girls’ school to hear of their goals and aspirations before moving on to sample local food and culture at the cultural fair. Lastly, the Duke met aspiring young footballers at Ramallah Friends School where he also took part in a kickabout.
Prince William arrived in the Middle East for his history-making trip on Sunday. He first visited Jordan, followed by Israel and then the Palestinian Territories. The trip so far has been seen as a success.