First Royal Visit to Israel

Yesterday Kensington Palace announced that the Duke of Cambridge will visit Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians in the summer. The visit is being made at the request of the UK Government and has been welcomed by the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian authorities.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge

Prince William will become the first member of the Royal Family to make an official visit to the region in what diplomatically will be a most sensitive tour.

This will be a visit of great significance that will end what some perceive to be a 70-year snub of Israel. Alistair Burt, the Foreign Office Minister, called William’s trip an “important and unique opportunity to promote diplomatic and cultural ties in the region."

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, greeted the announcement of the forthcoming tour saying:

“This is a historic visit, the first of its kind, and he will be welcomed here with great affection.
I have ordered the Foreign Ministry Director General to coordinate preparations for the visit to ensure its success.”

On Twitter, Israel’s President, described the planned tour as:

‘a very special present for our 70th year of independence.’