Prince Charles was moved to tears today as he spoke to refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan forced to flee due to conflicts in their homeland.
The Prince of Wales visited St Luke’s Church in Earls Court, London, to learn more about the Holy Trinity Brompton’s work to support people who have fled conflict and disaster worldwide.
He also spoke with Ukrainian Andriy Kopylash, 55, and his daughter Veronika, both of whom are involved in the Alpha Christianity programme.
Mr Kopylash was in the UK involved in charity work when war broke out, but his daughter was still stuck in the capital Kyiv amid a feared Russian onslaught on the city.
Fearful that the worst was going to happen, he begged her to leave and she eventually managed to get on the last plane out of the capital to Italy the night before Russian forces attacked.
Want all the latest news and analysis from Ukraine? Sign up to our World News Bulletin here
“We have had wonderful support from the community here”, he told the prince.
He said of the interaction afterwards: "He was very open and there were tears in his eyes. I was really impressed by him.
"It was very nice to meet Prince Charles. He was really open and was really informed about the situation.”
Speaking to a group of men who meet at the church each week for English lessons, as well as medical and practical support, Charles said: “I have wanted to go to Yemen all my life. I can’t believe what is happening.”
Sitting down with a group of ladies around a sewing machine, he told them: “It must be so very difficult leaving your families behind.”
One woman asked him via a translator if he could help get the rest of her family - her parents and two siblings - to the UK.
The prince looked distraught for her and said: “It must be terribly difficult. It’s a tragedy.
Want all the latest news and analysis from Ukraine? Sign up to our World News Bulletin here
“I wish there was a way. Is the church helping?”
He told another mother: “I just can’t bear it”, as she talked about those left behind, adding: “Such a total tragedy.”
HTB's Refugee Response programme was launched in September 2021 in response to the arrival of hundreds of Afghan refugees to the area.
Churchgoers donated large numbers of essential items, including clothing and toys and volunteers joined teams connecting guests with local authorities.
The Prince of Wales last visited an HTB site in December 2021 when he attended an advent service at HTB Onslow Square and met representatives of the Church's community groups including representatives of the Refugee Response programme.
