Princes bond as Duke of Cambridge visits Middle East
AMMAN: The Duke of Cambridge has marked his historic trip to the Middle East by bonding with the Crown Prince of Jordan as they watched England’s World Cup match against Panama.
Crown Prince Hussein recorded the game for the pair to view later because William arrived in Jordan just as the second half between England and Panama began, early yesterday morning.
The Duke, who is president of the FA, spent the remainder of yesterday avoiding the scoreline and swore the travelling media not to tell him.
After he revealed he would be watching the match at the end of the day the Duke told the media travelling with him: ‘‘On pain of death, please don’t tell me the score.’’
William’s fiveday visit to the Middle East is hugely symbolic, and will also have him visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories — the first time a member of the monarchy has visited on behalf of the Government.
William was keen to travel to the region and his presence in Ramallah will be interpreted as an acknowledgement of the plight of Palestinians, while in Jerusalem he will be showing solidarity with the Israelis.
In a speech to notable figures from Jordanian life he highlighted the role their country has played in the region supporting its neighbours when in need, especially the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who make up a large proportion of the kingdom’s population.
William, speaking during a garden party marking the Queen’s birthday at the residence of Britain’s ambassador, said: ‘‘I greatly admire the resilience you in Jordan have shown in the face of the many security and humanitarian challenges that have confronted you as a result of conflicts in this region.
‘‘The way in which you opened your doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, not to mention your longstanding commitments to Palestinian refugees, is remarkable.
‘‘You should be enormously proud of what you have done. In so many ways, Jordan as an open and stable society is a beacon of hope for many other people in the Middle East.’’
William later had dinner with his host the Crown Prince at his home, where the Duke also stayed, and the pair watched England thrash Panama 61.