The Duchess of Cornwall Speaks of "Heart-Breaking Conditions" in Ukraine
Members of the royal family have shown their support for the people of Ukraine by making donations, public visits and, in the Queen’s case, arranging flowers in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. And today, the Duchess of Cornwall invited the wife of the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK to speak at Clarence House about the challenges facing women in the country.
Camilla hosted a reception for International Women’s Day in her capacity as President of the Women of the World (WOW) Festival. She has hosted the event in previous years and usually gives a speech alongside WOW founder Jude Kelly. This year she spoke at length about gender equality across the globe and also mentioned “the heart-breaking conditions in Ukraine, where democracy and freedom are under brutal attack.”
After the Duchess spoke, the ambassador’s wife Inna Prystaiko was invited to say a few words about what is happening in her country. “Today there are no smiles and no peace, just horror and sorrow in the eyes of every Ukrainian woman, mother and wife,” she began, looking visibly moved as she recalled how International Women’s Day would normally be marked with smiles. “We had been building our beautiful, blooming, independent country for thirty years. Until one day Russia decided to destroy it, destroy the whole country because of their deranged leader’s whim. Now we have to count the death toll of our people and watch their frightened, crying children who are forced to flee their native land with their mothers and sisters, leaving their fathers to defend our country.”
Later in her speech, she thanked the British royals for their support, telling those assembled, “We are truly grateful to the British royal family for their strong and touching support of Ukraine.” After she concluded to applause, Inna hugged Camilla before the Duchess departed.
Prince Charles became the first working member of the royal family to speak publicly about Ukraine last week during a visit to Southend. Describing Putin’s invasion as “brutal aggression,” he said, “We stand in solidarity with all those who are resisting.” William and Kate had previously shared their support on social media, saying, “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. Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future."
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