Prince William asked to deliver message of peace on trip to Israel and Occupied Palestine | ITV News

On an historic trip to the Holy Land, Prince William has discovered that it’s not easy to avoid getting tangled in the complex politics of the region.
The visit - the first by a British Royal to Israel and Occupied Palestine - was designed to be as non-political as possible. Anytime spent on one side is being spent on the other. Meetings with Israeli leaders are being mirrored by meetings with Palestinian ones.
But it was at one of those meetings today that the Prince was asked to deliver a message of peace to the other side. The Duke of Cambridge knew that he would have to tread a very careful path this week but he arrived in Israel knowing that he had the support of all sides, because they wanted this visit to be a success.
The Royal Family had always been advised not to come to Israel or the West Bank for fear of upsetting either the Israelis or the Palestinians.
But this carefully calibrated visit - which focuses on the people and culture of the region, not just the politicians - has also seen the Prince address the sensitive - and long running dispute.
Tonight, at the residence of the British Ambassador to Israel, Prince William said the people of the region “have suffered great sadness and loss.”
He added: “Never has hope and reconciliation been more needed. I know I share a desire with all of you, and with your neighbours, for a just and lasting peace.”
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