'Historic': Prince William to visit Palestinian Territories, Israel

The Duke of Cambridge will visit Israel, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the northern summer.

Prince William will visit Israel on the country's 70th anniversary of independence.

Prince William will visit Israel on the country's 70th anniversary of independence. Source: AAP

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, will make the first official UK royal visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories during the northern summer.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The visit is at the request of Her Majesty's government and has been welcomed by the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian authorities."

William's father, Charles, the Prince of Wales, visited Israel in a non-official capacity in 2016 for former president Shimon Peres' funeral.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following Thursday's announcement: "We welcome the announcement on the arrival of Prince William to Israel. This is a historic visit, the first of its kind, and it will be greeted here with great affection.

"I have instructed the Foreign Ministry director general to co-ordinate the preparations ahead of the visit in order to ensure its success."

President Reuven Rivlin tweeted the arrival of Prince William on Israel's 70th anniversary of independence was a "very special present".

UK Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt said it was an "important and unique opportunity to promote diplomatic and cultural ties in the region".


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Published 1 March 2018 10:00pm
Updated 1 March 2018 10:16pm


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