Prince William and Kate Middleton.Photo: Ian Vogler-WPA Pool/Getty Images
A misquote ofPrince William’s statement on the war in Ukraine has received backlash online.
On Wednesday, Prince William andKate Middletonvisited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Londonto hear about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the U.K. and across Europe.
However, several outlets picked up a widely misreported quote from a reporter inside the event via the Press Association thatPrince Williamhad said Britons were more used to seeing conflict in Africa and Asia, adding: “It’s very alien to see this in Europe. We are all behind you.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Ian Vogler-WPA Pool/Getty Images
The misquoted comment quickly drew flack online, with the “Africa and Asia” comment sparking accusations of racism.
For more on Prince William, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
“Read a book about your own family, dude,” Tapper wrote in thepost.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson had no comment.
During their visit on Wednesday, the royal couple met with members of the Ukrainian community and volunteers to learn about services being offered at the center as well as the challenges they continue to face. They also spoke with Saleh Saeed, CEO of the Disasters Emergency Committee, to hear about the ongoing Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, to whichQueen Elizabethmade a"generous donation"last week.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Neil Mockford/GC Images
Kate, 40, andPrince William, 39, brought some homemade treats straight from their Kensington Palace kitchen, chocolate brownies and granola bars, for the volunteers at the center. They also wore pins showcasing the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge previously offeredwords of support for Ukrainein a statement shared on their joint@KensingtonRoyalTwitter account.
Prince William and Kate Middleton on an outing last week.Ian Vogler-WPA Pool/Getty Images
“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future,” the statement from the couple said. “Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyythanked Britain’s royal familyfor voicing their support for the country on March 1.
“Good will triumph,” he added.
source: people.com
