Prince William to visit Israel

LONDON: Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, will make the first official UK royal visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories during the northern summer.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘‘The visit is at the request of Her Majesty’s government and has been welcomed by the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian authorities.’’

William’s father, Charles, the Prince of Wales, visited Israel in a nonofficial capacity in 2016 for former president Shimon Peres’ funeral.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following yesterday’s announcement: ‘‘We welcome the announcement on the arrival of Prince William to Israel. This is a historic visit, the first of its kind, and it will be greeted here with great affection.’’

President Reuven Rivlin tweeted the arrival of Prince William on Israel’s 70th anniversary of independence was a ‘‘very special present’’.

UK Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt said it was an ‘‘important and unique opportunity to promote diplomatic and cultural ties in the region’’. —PA