Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton show solidarity with Ukraine in London

Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, visited a group of Ukrainians in London on Wednesday to show their support for and express solidarity with the diaspora while war wages in their homeland.

The couple met people at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Holland Park hours after the UK government announced it was stepping up its aid to the former Soviet nation.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a badge in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukraine flag, with a white heart on it.

She also wore knitted jumper similar to the blue of the Ukrainian flag. William wore the same badge.

Kate also took along trays of brownies she had baked and granola bars to give to volunteers at the centre.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, London. PA
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet members of the Ukrainian community and volunteers to learn about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the UK and across Europe. PA
Cakes made by the Duchess of Cambridge for workers at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. PA
They heard about the services offered at the social club and were shown boxes of donations collected to help those in need. PA
The Duchess of Cambridge wears a badge in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag with a white heart on it. Getty Images
The couple meet people at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Holland Park hours after the UK government announced it was stepping up its aid to the former Soviet nation. Getty Images

They offered assistance from their charitable foundation for children and young people suffering mental health problems and trauma from the war.

The couple said their eldest children, Prince George, 8, and Princess Charlotte, 6, had been affected by the unfolding tragedy.

"Ours have been coming home asking all about it," William said. "They are obviously talking about it with their friends at school."

He said he found it difficult discussing some of it with his children, and that he had to "choose my words carefully to explain what is going on".

The pair met members of the Ukrainian community and volunteers, and spoke with Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, about the DEC’s humanitarian appeal.

They heard about the services offered at the social club and were shown boxes of donations collected to help those in need.

The couple have been outspoken in their support for Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24.

Within days of Russian President Vladimir Putin launching his attack, the couple released a message expressing their solidarity with Ukrainians and support for the country’s leader.

Volunteers from Rain or Shine in Scotland check through donations bound for Ukraine. All photos: PA
Volunteers at the White Eagle Club) in Balham, south London, sift through donations before their aid convoy sets off to Ukraine.
A man holds boxes of nappies as he waits to make a donation for Ukrainian refugees at the White Eagle Club in Balham.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, right, at the Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, speaks to members of the Ukrainian community about their concerns and views some of the donations.
David Lee, David Edwards and Etienne Lee, about to set off for Poland from the Lewisham Polish Centre in south London, in a van loaded with donation for Ukrainian refugees.
Volunteers prepare to load a van with donations for Ukrainian refugees at the Lewisham Polish Centre.
Smokey Deli owner Monika Rawson, who has been living in Northern Ireland since moving from Poland, has created a drop-off point at her restaurant in east Belfast for donations.
People queue around the block to buy cakes, buns and other baked treats from the Deanston Bakery in Glasgow. The sale has raised at least £25,000 for Ukraine's refugees.
Volunteers making ribbons at the Ukrainian Social Club in Holland Park, London.

In a personal tweet from the couple, Prince William and his wife recalled their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, during their visit to Buckingham Palace.

“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,” the couple wrote.

“Today, we stand with the president and all of Ukraine's people as they bravely fight for that future.”

Mr Zelenskyy thanked the royal couple for voicing their support.

Prince William and Kate visited hours after Britain’s Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, announced the UK was increasing its funding for Ukraine to £220 million ($290m), which includes £120m of humanitarian aid.

Mr Wallace said officials were also considering sending more sophisticated weapons to help Ukrainians defend their land against Russian aggression.

Earlier on Wednesday, Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, said the embassy in London had been contacted by countless British citizens wanting to travel to Ukraine to help.

Mr Prystaiko recommended that people refrain from heading to the war zone as it may put extra strain on Ukrainian armed forces to offer them protection.

But he said that well-intentioned people could not be stopped from going if they were determined to help.

“We are not encouraging people to go but at the same time I can’t stop most of them to go there,” Mr Prystaiko told the House of Commons home affairs committee.

Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton show solidarity with Ukraine in London

Prince said he had found it difficult discussing aspects of the war with his children

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