- Hamas militants attacked Israeli territory last week
- Israel has responded with lethal force
- THIS is what British royals have said about it
Amid a lot of punditry and speculation the British royal family has also weighed in on the conflict. As 'People' report. King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton are voicing support for Israel after the surprise attacks by Hamas militants killed over 1,000 civilians last weekend. On Wednesday, the Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement on social media. The message marked the couple’s first comment on the Oct. 7 attack. The violence by Hamas, which the U.S. classifies as a terrorist organization, prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare the same day that his country is "at war."
The royals are not staying quiet
A spokesperson for The Prince and Princess of Wales said, "The Prince and Princess of Wales are profoundly distressed by the devastating events that have unfolded in the past days. The horrors inflicted by Hamas’s terrorist attack upon Israel are appalling; they utterly condemn them."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are also speaking out about the ongoing situation in Israel. In a statement headlined "With Heavy Hearts" posted on their Archewell Foundation website Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that they "stand against all acts of terrorism," following the surprise attacks by Hamas militants last weekend.
"We are supporting our partners and organizations on the frontlines in Israel to provide the urgent aid needed, and to help all innocent victims of this unconscionable level of human suffering," added Meghan, and Harry.
Curiously enough, the message comes right after Kate Middleton and Prince William, and King Charles made separate pronouncements on the conflict in the Middle East. "As Israel exercises its right of self-defence, all Israelis and Palestinians will continue to be stalked by grief, fear and anger in the time to come. Their Royal Highnesses hold all the victims, their families and their friends in their hearts and minds," their statement read.
It also recalled William's visit to Israel in 2018, adding, "Those The Prince of Wales met in 2018 overwhelmingly shared a common hope - that of a better future," it continued. "In the midst of such terrible suffering, The Prince and Princess continue to share that hope without reservation."
Their sympathy is now public
William traveled solo to Israel, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for four days in June 2018, and stopped in Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Jerusalem. King Charles III's spokesperson added how he was being kept appraised of the unfolding tragedy and doing what he could to support and pray for those who have lost those close to them.
"This is a situation His Majesty is extremely concerned about, and he has asked to be kept actively updated," the spokesperson said. "His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak. His Majesty is appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel."
The international stage continues to weigh the consequences of war. With many world leaders choosing their side, the world seems a bit divided at the moment. And so it's no surprise that the royal elite have began flexing their political muscle to influence proceedings. 'People' has also learned that Charles, 74, spoke to President Herzog of Israel and King Abdullah of Jordan on the phone on Wednesday afternoon. Charles welcomed Herzog to Highgrove House during the president's visit to England in 2021, and King Abdullah attended the May coronation with his wife, Queen Rania.
Also interesting:
It was coming...
Europe's royals are closely connected
Not all the royal family
In a conflict almost as old as time, Israelis and Palestinians have been fighting for land but the conflict has always been underlined by spiritual connotations. Interfaith relations and inter-community dialogue at the national and international level have been close to Charles’ heart throughout life, and were key themes woven into his May coronation and related celebrations. The King is expected to signal his solidarity and support for those in Britain who have loved ones caught up in the horrific events.
"This is a situation His Majesty is extremely concerned about, and he has asked to be kept actively updated. His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak," his spokesperson said on the King’s behalf. "His Majesty is appalled by and condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel."
Charles last visited Israel in 2020, becoming the most senior member of the British royal family to officially visit the country and the occupied Palestinian Territories, Reuters reported. He met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during the trip, where he denounced the horrors of the Holocaust and dangers of antisemitism, in addition to expressing sorrow of the hardships suffered by the Palestinian people.
