Duke watches football on Jordan trip

The Duke of Cambridge began 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.

Prince William’s five-day visit to the Middle East is hugely symbolic, and will also see him visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – the first time a member of the monarchy has visited on behalf of the government.

The Israelis and Palestinians have been locked in a decadeslong conflict that in essence is a dispute over land.

The Palestinians believe they have been subject to Israeli military occupation with many forced into exile and those who remained enduring an uneasy co-existence with the Jewish state, while with hostile nations around it in the region, Israelis will say they have had to fight for survival.

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.

The duke is likely to avoid commenting publicly about the political situation wherever he travels as his thoughts could be seized upon by the other side.

In a speech to notable figures from Jordanian life he highlighted the work their country has played in the region supporting its neighbours when in need.