Prince William has paid tribute to humanitarian workers who "bring solace in the darkest of times" during the launch of the world's first global memorial for aid workers. The Prince of Wales highlighted their courage and sacrifice at Wednesday's ceremony at Gunnersbury Park in west London.
The event brought together staff from aid organisations including Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Mines Advisory Group, alongside bereaved families and survivors of attacks. William addressed the gathering as the memorial was formally opened to honour all humanitarians who have died in service.
In his speech, the prince said: "We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence - from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti and indeed throughout much of the Middle East. And alas in so many other places." He specifically highlighted aid workers in Gaza, describing them as representing "a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments".
William emphasised the extraordinary bravery of humanitarian workers who stay behind in dangerous situations. "Rather than running away from danger, discomfort and hunger, these incredibly brave men and women stay behind to bring whatever respite, compassion and care they can to those who need it the most," he stated. "We must champion and fight for their access to people in the most desperate of circumstances."
Memorial honours fallen aid workers
The prince condemned the killing of aid workers as a "cruel affront" to international humanitarian principles. He revealed sobering statistics about the dangers faced by humanitarian staff, noting that 385 aid workers died last year whilst this year's toll has already reached 300.
"I know that many of their bereaved families are here today, representing too many others," William said. "Every single one of those deaths is a tragedy. A cruel affront to the international humanitarian principles which must remain sacrosanct."
The memorial, created by British artist Michael Landy and the Humanitarian Memorial Committee, features a circle of 15 green human-sized figures. The artwork includes spaces allowing visitors to complete the circle by joining hands, with each figure bearing stories from individuals who have either distributed or received humanitarian aid.
Prince's ongoing humanitarian support
William has consistently supported aid workers throughout his royal duties. Last year he met representatives from the British Red Cross and Palestine Red Crescent Society to hear about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the wider region, including the impact on their staff.
In 2023, William and the Princess of Wales met rescue workers from the Disaster Emergency Committee to thank them for their efforts following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The memorial celebrates those who continue to put their lives at risk to help others in the world's most dangerous locations.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
