Prince William has kicked off a politically delicate five-day tour of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, preparing to meet with young people, refugees and national leaders in a tumultuous region that Britain had controlled between the two world wars.
Though billed as non-political, it’s a high-profile foreign visit for the 36-year-old William, second in line to the British throne.
According to the BBC, The Duke of Cambridge will spend the day in Jordan, before becoming the first royal to make an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in at least 70 years.
While still in Jordan the prince will visit a refugee programme in the country, and a charity that helps women develop their own livelihoods.
Kensington Palace said the “historic nature” of the tour was “important”. “The complex challenges in the region are of course well known. The non-political nature of His Royal Highness’s role – in common with all Royal visits overseas –allows a spotlight to be brought to bear on the people of the region: their cultures, their young people, their aspirations, and their experiences,” the statement went on to read.
On Sunday Prince William spent time with Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II in Amman, with whom he watched England’s World Cup match against Panama. He will continue his visit, at the request of the Queen, until Thursday 28th June. The visit is The Duke’s first to the region.
