Prince William is facing an online backlash after saying it was "very alien" to see conflict in Europe amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Yesterday, he and the Duchess of Cambridge visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in West London to meet volunteers sending two lorry loads of aid each day to their fellow countrymen fighting a Russian invasion and a humanitarian catastrophe.
While there, William told them Britain and the rest of Europe were united behind them and spoke of the shock of seeing war on European soil.
The second in line to the throne said Britons were much more used to seeing conflict in Africa and Asia, adding: “It’s very alien to see this in Europe. We are all behind you.”
But he added that he, like many, wanted to do more to help. “We feel so useless,” he said.
However, his comments have sparked an online backlash with some pointing out other recent conflicts in Europe and criticising him for saying people are used to seeing war in Africa and Asia.
Among those criticising him was Bernice King - the daughter of Martin Luther King - who tweeted: "Horrific comment.
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"European people ran roughshod over the continent of Africa, pillaging communities, raping women, enslaving human beings, colonizing for profit and power, stealing resources, causing generational devastation. And European nations continue to harm Africa."
Another was human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid, who also took to Twitter and said: "Prince William says conflict is 'very alien' to Europe, unlike Asia & Africa.
"How do you have a 1000 year history of colonialism, a literal 100 year war, launch 2 World Wars, allow multiple genocides, & bomb a dozen nations since 9/11 alone—yet make this type of a statement."
While author Dr Shola Mos Shogbamimu also tweeted: "Prince William’s comments are deeply offensive. He must apologise."
The Mirror has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
During yesterday's visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, William and Kate, 40, wore Ukrainian yellow and blue solidarity badges and took trays of chocolate brownies and granola bars, homemade at Kensington Palace, for the volunteers.
They spoke with Saleh Saeed, chief executive of DEC, hearing about DEC's humanitarian appeal, which has so far raised more than £120 million.
They also heard how there had been specific requests for medicines for hospitals in Ukraine, as they were shown the large amount of pharmaceutical goods amassed in the centre.
The visit came after William and Kate were among the first royals to publicly speak out and pledge their solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
They issued a rare, personal message on social media saying they stood with the Ukrainian people.
They wrote: "In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelensky and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine's future.
"Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine's people as they bravely fight for that future."
Days later, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Twitter to say he and his wife Olena Zelenska were grateful for their support.
He wrote: "Olena and I are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that, at this crucial time, when Ukraine is courageously opposing Russia ’s invasion, they stand by our country and support our brave citizens. Good will triumph.”
