Prince spreads message of peace in West Bank, Tel Aviv
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Britain’s Prince William traveled to the West Bank on Wednesday, spreading a message of peace as he met with the Palestinian president and toured a Palestinian refugee camp.
The Duke of Cambridge was welcomed by an honor guard as he turned his attention to the Palestinians on the second day of his swing through the Holy Land. It is the first official visit to the area by a member of the royal family.
The Palestinians were eager to welcome him. President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to the prince and the British people to support the Palestinian campaign for independence.
William, trying to steer clear of politics, praised what he called the close ties between Britain and the Palestinians.
“I’m very glad that our two countries work so closely together and have had success stories with education and relief work,” he said. “My sentiments are the same as yours in hoping that there is a lasting peace in the region.”
Earlier on Wednesday, William began the day by strolling down Tel Aviv’s trendy Rothschild Boulevard and meeting young artists and entrepreneurs in Israel’s cultural and financial capital.
Thousands of onlookers gathered behind police barriers to catch a glimpse of the prince, with some shouting “we love William” toward the second in line to the throne.
Jonathan Weiss, a tour guide who accompanied the prince on Wednesday, said William was impressed by how youthful the city is and “what a great vibe” it has and said that the next “time he comes, he plans to bring his swimming trunks.”