PHOTOS – War in Ukraine: Elizabeth II, Albert of Monaco, Prince William, Felipe of Spain… They all ask for Ukraine
nearly a month, Ukraine suffered the Russian invasion. An offensive orchestrated by Vladimir Putin against which many crowned heads have spoken.
Since he ordered the invasion of ukraine on february 24, Vladimir Putin has alienated more than one head of state. After the economic sanctions ordered by France, the United States or even Germany, the crowned heads who took a stand. If Prince Philip was the distant descendant of a Tsar, this did not prevent the Queen of England from supporting the country which has been under attack for many weeks. With her apolitical status, the one who always gives her opinion through strong symbols, this time openly extended her hand to Ukraine.
Prince William and Kate Middleton requested Volodymyr Zelensky
The 95-year-old monarch, who will soon celebrate her platinum jubilee, announced on March 3 thatshe works a gift, qualified as “generous” by the Palace, to the Emergency Committee for Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians, “refugees or on site”unveiled our colleagues from Indicate. An exceptional gesture on the part of the sovereignty which has a habit of respecting the protocol which imposes the strictest neutrality on it. Later, the Queen’s art collection withdrew permission to display some of her pieces in the Kremlin Museum, Moscow.
Among the Windsors, the mother of Prince Charles is not the only one to have taken sides. Like her, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton came out of their reserve customary to support President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. In a tweet from February 26, we can read: “In October 2020, we had the privilege of meeting President Zelensky and the first lady to hear about their hope and optimism for the future of Ukraine. Today, we stand with the President and all the people of Ukraine who is fighting bravely for this future”.
To which, the Ukrainian presidential couple always replied on Twitter: “Olena and I are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who, at this crucial time when Ukraine to bravely oppose the invasion of Russia, to stand with our country and to supply our brave citizens. Good will triumph“.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry send a message to the global community
In turn, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared their sadness upon learning of the death in battle of Serhii Karaivan, a member of the Invictus Game foundation, as reported the tabloid Hello! On their Archewell Foundation website, they wrote: “Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the recent loss of a member of our veteran community in Ukraine, who was defending his country from attack”, they wrote. Touched by this drama, they assured that they would continue “to work and talk daily (…) to help as much as possible”. In their statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this violation of international and humanitarian law. We encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same.”
Prince Charles and King Felipe VI of Spain committed against the war in Ukraine
As for Prince Charles, it was during an official visit to Southend-on-Sea, east London, that he spoke. “What we experienced in the terrible tragedy at Southend (the murder of MP David Amess, note) was an attack on an open society, on freedom itself. We see the same values being attacked today in Ukraine in the most excessive way possible […] We stand in solidarity with all who resist brutal attacks.” In Spain, King Felipe VI revealed that the Russian offensive is a “unacceptable aggression against a sovereign and independent nation”.
“Sad and worrying”, he said that this conflict is “A threat to Europe and the world order”. Assuring that the Ukrainian people “is developed in our hearts”, he pointed out that “we are working with all our partners to support them and restore peace”. “After what we have seen and experienced in recent times, the last choice we imagine is to be gathered here under the dark foreboding of war in Eastern Europe. We are saddened and outraged.”
The unexpected speeches of the King of Sweden and Albert II of Monaco
Equally severe, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden delivered a highly political speech. First crowned head to have spoken in public on the subject, he began by recalling that “Europe is in an extremely difficult situation.” “The Russian Federation has invaded Ukraine. This is against international law and undermines fundamental rights and freedoms. The humanitarian disaster is a fact. People are fleeing their homes and their country. Families are divided. Innocent people are dying“.
Before adding: “Sweden has, among others, together with other EU countries, in the strongest possible terms, condemned Russian actions. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. Sweden as a nation helps in various ways. And many people and organisations, here in Sweden and abroad, are now making invaluable efforts to help.” A speech, which he concluded with: “What is currently happening in our immediate region also has important consequences for Sweden. This underlines the seriousness and importance of the activities of the Swedish armed forces. A duty that is borne by you, among others, who are here today”.
Finally, Prince Albert II of Monaco took the floor to support the Ukrainians. An unexpected speech, which he began with: “My dear compatriots, dear residents, dear friends, since February 24, invasion of Ukraine, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating day after day”. “The Principality of Monaco joins the appeal of the international community in favor of respect for humanitarian law. We participate in this momentum to our extent and with the means that are ours. Our schools, our volunteers and our available resources will be mobilized to welcome, accompany and support these displaced and vulnerable people.” Charlene of Monaco’s companion continued: “The Monegasque Red Cross will also bring all its expertise in the management of humanitarian crises and I know that other identities of Monegasque civil society are also hard at work to support the efforts deployed at local and international level”.
In Belgium, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have decided to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in “two dwellings that could accommodate three refugee families”, can you lie on the site RTBF. President of the Royal Donation, Jan Smets explained to our colleagues: “These are dwellings whose purpose was originally to be made available to social agencies to accommodate people on low incomes, a mission that corresponds well to what we will achieve with the royal donation”. Before adding: “These are single-family homes which will be available at the beginning of April, the time to furnish them and do small jobs”.
Photo credits: ITAR TASS / BESTIMAGE