Read Prince William's Letter to the UK's Chief Rabbi on Israel

The British royal family is weighing in on the ongoing crisis unfolding in Israel and Gaza. After a Buckingham Palace spokesperson spoke on behalf of King Charles, saying, "His thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering, particularly those who have lost loved ones, but also those actively involved as we speak," a spokesperson for Prince William and Kate Middleton issued a statement, conveying their distress and devastation at the events.

Now, the United Kingdom's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has shared a letter Prince William wrote him before those statements were made public. Rabbi Mirvis posted on X, "Thank you to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for this message of solidarity with the Jewish Community and wishes for a better future for all," tagging Kensington Royal's account.

In the letter, Prince William reflected on his 2018 trip to Israel, where he was accompanied by Rabbi Mirvis. "It was a profoundly moving experience," the Prince of Wales writes. "I was struck by how many Israelis and Palestinians wanted one and the same thing: a better future. In present circumstances, it seems unobtainable as their respective communities will be absorbed by grief, anger, and shock."

Yet, he adds, "I do hope though that in time, voices calling for peace, common understanding and co-existence can once again come to the fore."

King Charles met with Rabbi Mirvis at Buckingham Palace last week, and the rabbi shared afterwards that "At a time when Jews around the world are grieving following the unspeakable evil perpetrated against loved ones in Israel, I want to thank His Majesty King Charles III for expressing in person his deep concern, and his support for the Jewish community. His words of comfort and solidarity give us strength at this dark time." Rabbi Mirvis has been chief rabbi of the UK since 2013, and attended King Charles's coronation earlier this year.

Read Prince William's full letter to Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis:

Dear Chief Rabbi,

I am writing to express my solidarity in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks that began on Saturday.

As you have said publicly, this is truly a traumatic time for the Jewish community in the United Kingdom. So many will have loved ones directly affected by this terrible violence. I want to add my voice to those who condemn the attacks unreservedly. My thoughts are with you all.

At this difficult time, I've been reflecting on my visit to the region in 2018. It was a profoundly moving experience. I was struck by how many Israelis and Palestinians wanted one and the same thing: a better future. In present circumstances, it seems unobtainable as their respective communities will be absorbed by grief, anger, and shock.

I do hope though that in time, voices calling for peace, common understanding and co-existence can once again come to the fore, so that such human suffering can be consigned to the past.

With my sincerest wishes,

[Signed by Prince William]

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