Politics
22:57, 25-Jun-2018
The Duke of Cambridge visits Israel and Palestine
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When his Royal Highness, Prince William the Duke of Cambridge visits Israel and the Palestinian Territories this June, he’s making history. No member of the royal family had ever officially visited either locale since Israel became a state 70 years ago.
Prince Charles and Prince Philip, Prince Williams’ father and grandfather, conducted private visits in the past to attend state funerals and visit Princess Alice of Batenburg’s grave.
Prince Williams arrives at the Marka International Airport to hold official visits in Amman, Jordan, June 24, 2018. /VCG Photo
Prince Williams arrives at the Marka International Airport to hold official visits in Amman, Jordan, June 24, 2018. /VCG Photo
Princess Alice was Prince Williams’ great-grandmother and upon her dying request, is buried in East Jerusalem.
During HRH’s two and a half day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, he will visit her grave.
Britain's role and Israel's statehood
It’s ironic that no official royal visits have happened up to now because there are historical ties between Israel, Palestine and Britain.
To a large degree, Israel owes its statehood to the UK.
Balfour Delaration. Credit: Agencies
Balfour Delaration. Credit: Agencies
The British government’s post-WWI Balfour Declaration published in 1917 declared support for a future Jewish national homeland in Palestine.
Under the 1919 Versailles Treaty, Britain was subsequently tasked with overseeing administration for both Arabs and Jews in Palestine until 1948 when Israel officially gained statehood.
Today, British presence from the Mandate era abounds in Israel and Palestine.
Why an official visit now?
Previously, visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories was considered too politically “delicate” for the Royals to endeavor.
And the United Kingdom’s powerful, global standing afforded the Royals to maintain a distance.
But that standing took a hit with the 2016 Brexit vote. Israel’s elevated status in the hi-tech, cybersecurity and intelligence domains－which the UK relies on－created a balance shift.
Prince Williams’ Middle East visit is billed as “apolitical” but it’s largely viewed as a diplomatic tour meant to bolster Britain’s international political standing.
Credit: Peres Center for Peace & Innovation
Credit: Peres Center for Peace & Innovation
On the agenda
During his visit, Prince William will meet Palestinian and Israeli leaders and hi-tech innovators, attend a mixed Arab-Jewish youth football match, attend an event at the British Ambassador to Israel’s residence and visit his great grandmother’s grave.
(Cover: The British Royal Family. /Credit: Agencies)