prince william kate dec visit

Prince William and Kate Middleton make important visit to learn about the Ukraine relief effort

The royal couple met with aid workers who have returned from Ukraine

Deputy Online Editor
Updated: April 21, 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid a visit to the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to learn more about their ongoing appeal to support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

READ: How to talk to your children about the Ukraine/Russia conflict

MORE: The Queen makes 'generous' donation to Ukraine relief effort

More than 11 million people have been forced to leave their homes to escape the conflict, including 4 million who have fled to other countries as refugees and 7 million who are internally displaced.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. As well as providing for people's immediate needs, donations to the DEC appeal will also help people affected by the conflict in the months and years ahead.

DONATE NOW: What can you do to help Ukraine?

People from all walks of life and from across the UK have been enormously generous, with the appeal already raising over £280 million. This total includes £25 million matched by the UK Government and donations from companies, trusts, arts institutions, community groups, schools and individuals.

Keep clicking for more pictures...

The royal couple spoke with recently returned aid workers and, via a video call, with those on the ground in Ukraine to learn more about the work this generosity is helping to support and the human impact of the conflict.

READ: President Zelenskky grateful for William and Kate's support

This isn't the first time the Cambridges have shown their support for Ukraine. Shortly after Russia's invasion, the royals posted a personal tweet, writing: "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.

MORE: Prince William and Kate reveal their children have been asking about Ukraine crisis

"Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine's people as they bravely fight for that future. W & C."

Prince William and Kate took the time to listen as they learnt how events unfolding in Ukraine threaten to exacerbate existing humanitarian crises elsewhere in the world.

Aid workers Diana Hiscock, Vanessa Maynard and Bethan Lewis shared their stories with the royal couple.

For the outing, Kate looked stylish and sophisticated in a sleek cream blazer and high-waisted cigarette trousers. Meanwhile, William opted for a blue shirt and blazer combination.

They were joined by Hannah Richards, Director of Communications at DEC, and Saleh Saeed, CEO of DEC, where they spoke aid workers on the ground via video call during their visit.

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