Amid the ongoing crisis in Europe, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London to learn about the efforts being made in the UK and across Europe to help Ukrainian people. At least two million people have already left their homes to escape the war zone, with four million more expected to be displaced as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. Willam and Catherine met with Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of Disasters Emergency Committee, and heard about DEC’s humanitarian appeal.
The center is receiving help from The DEC. The DEC – Disasters Emergency Committee, is made up of 15 leading UK aid charities aiming to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. During the visit, William and Catherine heard about the services offered at the center, the incredible amount of donations DEC has received.
About the visit, Kensington Palace said, “Their Royal Highnesses had the opportunity to speak with Saleh Saeed, CEO of the Disasters Emergency Committee, to learn more about the ongoing Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and how best the UK public can continue to support Ukraine. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the British public, the DEC has now raised over £132 million for its member charities working on the ground. With the effects of this conflict to be felt for weeks and months to come, this funding will support Ukrainians across Europe whose lives have been changed irrevocably right now and in the difficult weeks ahead.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought some homemade granola bars and brownies for the people taking shelter at the center. The Duchess said, “It’s the least we could do. I think we need to come and help out here properly. Give you some respite.” From Evening Standard’s report,
Prince William said Britain and the rest of Europe were united behind them and spoke of the shock of seeing war on European soil. “It’s very alien to see this in Europe. We are all behind you,” he said.
The couple was told there were specific requests for medicines for hospitals in Ukraine. They were also shown a large number of pharmaceutical goods amassed in the center.
When asked about how their kids are taking the news, Prince William said, “Ours has been coming home asking all about it. They are obviously talking about it with their friends at school. As you say, it’s choosing the words carefully to explain to them what’s going on”.
The Duke and Duchess hosted the President and First Lady of Ukraine in October 2020 at Buckingham Palace. Earlier in February this year, they sent a tweet showing their support for Ukraine during the humanitarian crisis, “In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future. Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”
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After William and Catherine’s visit to the center, The first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, took to Instagram to thank the royal family for their support,
“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London, where volunteers collect and sort out humanitarian aid for affected Ukrainians.
Ukraine is supported by the whole of Great Britain, from ordinary citizens to the Royal Family. In other moving shots, the Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, pray for our country at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London. They brought sunflowers with them.
Special thanks to Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain – she made a private contribution to help Ukraine. Such support not only heals and warms thousands of destinies. It brings us closer to victory.
For the visit, showing her diplomatic sartorial support, The Duchess of Cambridge chose a blue Alexander McQueen cashmere sweater. Thanks to ChristinZ on Twitter for the id.
The tone of the sweater matches the Ukrainian flag. The £520 was described as “Alexander McQueen’s sweater is completely timeless. It’s knitted from soft cashmere for a close fit and has ribbed trims”. The sweater is available on Net-a-Porter in all sizes and three shades i.e. blue, black, and pink.
The Duchess paired the sweater with her blue Jigsaw trousers.
And her Emmy London Joie midnight blue pumps.
She accessorized the outfit with her Spells of Love Twist Hoops.
The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an urgent appeal to help people fleeing conflict in Ukraine. #UkraineAppeal
The UK Government will match pound-for-pound up to £20 million donated by the public to this appeal. #UKAidMatch
Donate now: https://t.co/JRCP8NYvdB pic.twitter.com/APlGs0TJuc
— DEC (@decappeal) March 3, 2022
If you would like to support the people of Ukraine please find more details at the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in the UK and Red Cross is also running a support campaign.
