Ukrainians in Canada thank Prince and Duchess for their support
THE Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have been told that Ukrainians are profoundly grateful for the support of the Queen and Royal family as war rages in their country.
The Prince and Duchess were thanked for Britain’s assistance during the conflict with Russia when they joined a Ukrainian-canadian community for prayers at a church in Ottawa.
The couple spoke to a mother and her two sons, who had joined her sister in Ottawa as refugees after being forced to leave her husband behind when they fled artillery fire.
The Prince and Duchess were on the second day of a three-day tour during which they embraced local traditions by trying maple syrup and watching a display by Mounties.
In a moving moment, the Prince appeared emotional as Dr Jennie Dutchak, 85, told him that she had been moved to tears after hearing the Russian Kontakion of the Departed, translated by William John Birkbeck, played in St George’s Chapel during his father’s funeral service in April 2021.
Dr Dutchak said: “I thank you personally. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Prince grasped her arm and sounded moved as he thanked her for her words.
The Prince and Duchess attended the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa where they heard prayers and thanks offered to the Royal family for their support of Ukraine.
The Queen is known to have made a donation to Ukrainian humanitarian charities and the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended numerous Ukrainian community engagements, as well as donating private funds.
The Very Reverend Volodymyr Kouchnir told them: “Today, your country is truly a friend to Ukraine. “Having extended a helping hand to our military, but also as fellow citizens of our planet. We shall never, never, never forget that.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Royal family, to Her Majesty, and to you personally for your help and support for Ukraine which today is fighting for democratic values and the chance to live as part of the European family.
“God grant you many, many blessed years.”
Speaking after the visit, Dr Dutchak said of her moment with the Prince: “A year ago, at his funeral, his father [Prince Philip] chose a special hymn.
“Our choir sing it and it moved me to tears to have a choir sing it at a royal funeral. It was jubilation.”
Elsewhere in Ottawa, the Prince and Duchess saw the spectacular display of the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their distinctive red uniforms.
They also joined crowds at a food market, where the Prince delighted stallholders by describing the quintessential Canadian kitchen staple of maple syrup as “good for you”.
Last night, the Prince was due to meet Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, and attend a reception with the Governor General to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.