Sometimes it happens that we look to our own leaders to express how we feel and react accordingly. Britain’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, has reached enough occasion for many to forget – for now at least – about the lockdown parties that led to calls for his resignation.
In his absence, other members of his family have stepped in, as is the case these days.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said in a tweet over the weekend that they “stand with the President and all of Ukraine as they bravely fight for that future.”
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, tweeted back, saying that he and his wife Olena were grateful to the couple that “at this critical time, when Ukraine is courageously resisting Russia’s aggression, they stand by our country and our Support the brave citizens.”
From California, the day Russia launched its offensive, Prince Harry and Meghan expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine “against this violation of international and humanitarian law” and urged “the global community and its leaders to do the same.” did.”
On Tuesday, Prince Charles spoke of the attack in Ukraine of “democracy” and “an open society” in a “most subliminal way”. He continued: “We are in solidarity with all those who are resisting the brutal invasion.”
If Britain ever tried to rebuild bridges with Putin, these comments would hang over Charles. Therefore, as a rule, royals do not make decisions on foreign heads of state. Unlike transient politicians, they are in it for life. However, Putin seems to have crossed this line for Charles, as he has done for most of the Western world.
But it was perhaps his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who best expressed the nation’s shock without words during a visit to a Ukrainian Catholic cathedral in London on Wednesday.
The couple went to the Cathedral of the Holy Family – which has become a rallying point for the British Ukrainian community – where they met with the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Vadim Pristyko, and his wife, Inna Pristyko, as well as Bishop Kenneth. Nowakowski.
Upon arrival, the royal family met with the Ukrainian school children concerned and received the traditional offering of bread and salt. The couple also lit a candle and placed the sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine, on the altar.
Addressing members of the Ukrainian community working to support relief efforts, Charles praised the group for their courage in the face of rampant aggression. He said: “My wife and I have been deeply impressed by what we heard today during our visit, and above all, by the extraordinary bravery, generosity and perseverance of the Ukrainian community in the face of such a terrible invasion. Therefore, if May I say so, our thoughts and prayers, however insufficient they may be, are with you all at this most critical time.”
During the visit, a camera brought tears to Camilla’s eyes, and a Royal Rota journalist covering the incident reported that the Duchess “cried frequently during the engagement and comforted the ambassador’s wife, who was crying.” ”
news of the week
The Queen is recovering after contracting the coronavirus nearly two weeks ago, making several video calls this week.
On Thursday, she held two virtual audiences from Windsor with new ambassadors from Trinidad and Tobago and Malawi. Earlier this week, he also welcomed envoys to the UK from Andorra and Chad in a video meeting.
The palace has been reluctant to give daily health updates but clearly the monarch is feeling well enough to return to virtual engagements. It is understood that she will continue with other duties and that there are some personal engagements in her diary.
One event that was taken off the books was a diplomatic reception which was due to take place at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Buckingham Palace said over the weekend the Queen had “accepted the advice of the Foreign Secretary” to postpone the event. Rather than being concerned with his health, it is possible that UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss suggested this in light of the ongoing crisis facing Ukraine.
The next major events the Queen is expected to attend are the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14 and a service of thanksgiving for her late husband, Prince Philip, at the same venue on March 29.
what else is happening?
Charles celebrates the success of Black Britons,
The Prince of Wales brought together some of the most influential Black Brits on Tuesday hosting a reception for supporters of the Powerlist at Clarence House. Powerlist is an annual celebration of 100 of the most influential people of African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage. “These communities have and continue to make an incredibly positive change in society as a whole and, in doing so, have built a real community spirit and solidarity,” Charles said. The heir to the throne said it was “particularly pleasing to see the diversity of talent”, which was recognized by initiatives in areas from the arts to business, the environment and technology, among other fields. Charles said the Powerlist – now in its 16th year – has helped to identify the “expertise and leadership” that will help the UK meet the challenges that continue to plague society.
William and Kate mark St David’s Day in Wales.
The Cambridges went to Wales to celebrate St David’s Day, where they were welcomed by a crowd of well-wishers. The visit focused on the importance of the agricultural industry, with their engagement focused on how community groups are supporting young people, as well as celebrating the region’s history. In Abergweni, they stopped at a goat farm, which has supplied milk to local cheese makers for nearly two decades. Meanwhile, in Blaenavon, the pair roll up their sleeves in the kitchen of a local youth center, where they bake Welsh cakes before playing a game of pool.
did you know?
Meghan praised the historic nomination to the Supreme Court.
don’t miss
The new Diana picture goes on display.
An exhibition at London’s Kensington Palace that opens on Friday will feature a portrait of Princess Diana that the public has never seen. Taken by fashion photographer David Bailey in 1988, the image was originally commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, but remains in Bailey’s collection until now. The black-and-white image shows a 27-year-old Diana from afar, wearing a satin off-the-shoulder gown and a pair of teardrops.
featured photos
In addition to the Diana portrait, the exhibition titled “A Life Through a Royal Lens” will display a number of works exploring the relationship between photography and the monarchy.
This includes photographs taken on royal tours and portraits of heads of state, as well as moments away from the public eye. Apart from this, for the first time, the show features a selection of images taken by members of the royal family themselves.
Nearly 1,000 pictures were submitted from people around the world who were keen to share their encounters with the royal family, from the royal promenade in the 1950s to the traditional Christmas Day service at Sandringham, to the Queen’s private residence in Norfolk. with photos.
in royal diary
The Duchess of Cornwall is having a busy week ahead, with two major events on her calendar.
Tuesday, March 8: In her role as chair of the WOW – Women of the World festival, Camilla will host a reception to mark International Women’s Day at Clarence House in London.
Thursday, March 10: She will open the new Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) headquarters in Battersea, South London. The Duchess has been RAD’s deputy patron since 2020.
Pic of the Week
Prince Charles and Camilla unveiled an eco-friendly ferry train named in honor of slain British politician David Ames, during a visit to the East Southend of London on March 1. Ames, a veteran Conservative MP, was stabbed to death in his constituency in October. ,