The Duke of Sussex has issued a stark call for the immediate opening of food and medical aid corridors into Gaza, speaking during a visit to Jordan alongside the Duchess of Sussex.
The royal couple, travelling with a World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation, heard updates on the humanitarian situation from World Central Kitchen, an organisation providing meals in crisis zones. Speaking to Channel 4 News, the Duke stated unequivocally that "the aid corridors need to be opened and they are currently not".
His remarks echoed those of WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, emphasising the critical need for "full access for humanitarian organisations to be able to deliver that aid to the people that need it the most". During their visit, Harry and Meghan met children at a refugee camp, an engagement facilitated by Dr Tedros.
The Duke described the visit as "a really important time for us to collaborate and come here and shine a light and focus on the very real humanitarian catastrophe that has happened and continues". On Wednesday, Harry visited a hospital providing care for children recently injured in Gaza, with the WHO highlighting the vital role of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan and the necessity for sustained international support. He praised Jordan’s "moral leadership", calling the country’s efforts "incredible work" and a "humanitarian hub for the Middle East".
On Thursday, the couple’s engagements included a visit to Jordan’s National Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Amman. Harry urged a group of recovered addicts to return to their communities and support others, telling them: "There’s no shame in having an addiction."
He and Meghan listened intently as men shared their experiences of substance abuse and the support received from the centre. The couple described the facility as "incredible", particularly its holistic approach to patient care, which includes a gym and yoga classes.
Speaking to a former addict now working as a mentor, the Duke offered encouragement: "I want you guys to know there’s no shame in having an addiction, it stems from something else which is an emotional pain – you’re very, very brave to come here into hospital. Now what you need to do is use this experience and go back into your communities and help other people who are in a similar situation."
In the centre’s gym, Harry chatted with recovering addicts on rowing machines, asking one: "When you leave, will you continue exercising?" Upon receiving a positive reply, he added: "New habits, good habits rather than bad habits – we all have bad habits." Meghan observed a yoga class, introducing herself to the men holding poses.
The 40-bed centre, operating under the Ministry of Health, has provided short-term residential and outpatient treatment, including medical withdrawal services, psychological support, and social counselling, since its inauguration in 2001.
During their visit, the couple, along with the WHO delegation, were invited to write messages of support. Harry’s message, left on a sticky note, read: "It’s ok to not be ok. Trust each other. Congratulations on your recovery. Now share your courage and experience." His wife’s message, in italic script, stated: "Congratulations on your dedication to your care. Wishing you continued healing and happiness."
