Afghanistan who were forced to flee their country. The unannounced visit made to an unnamed hotel in West Yorkshire, when the Duke of Cambridge met with the group of individuals who have been relocated to the United Kingdom, and heard first-hand accounts of their disheartening experiences.
Images of the visit were shared by the Kensington Palace Twitter account, along with the caption: “In Leeds today to celebrate the welcoming, diverse, resilient communities across the nation who are coming together to support those in need. The people of Yorkshire, along with thousands across the UK, are providing vital support to those who have recently evacuated Afghanistan.”
While in Leeds, the Duke spoke with community organisers, local charities, staff at the hotel and local authorities regarding the role played by them in assisting Afghan refugees in the area.
Among those who met with Prince William was Hossain Saeedi, who was forced to leave Afghanistan with his partner and child, when the Taliban took control of the South Asian nation earlier this month. Sharing his thoughts on the visit made by the Duke, Saeedi said: “It was a great pleasure for us to meet with a member of the Royal Family, we didn’t know about it until the very last minute so we were very excited when we knew. He came with a very powerful, warm and welcoming message for the refugees, I think it was a very important visit.”
Later that day, Prince William also paid a visit to Community Action to Create Hope (CATCH), a charity organisation which seeks to support young people from differing backgrounds. Recently, they began teaching English for Afghan children who have been relocated in the UK.
During the visit, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was presented by the prince to the charity’s organisers.
“I have been blown away by the visit. It is an amazing achievement what you have all done here. You guys, the young people, built this together. I am blown away and quite emotional about it,” he said. “You have worked together, don’t know each other, don’t speak English and have come together—you can’t not be proud.”
