William and Kate go further than Charles ‘unusual to see senior royals venture into political territory’

"The horrors inflicted by Hamas’ terrorist attack upon Israel are appalling; they utterly condemn them.”

Speaking with Ellie Costello and Stephen Dixon from GB News’ Breakfast show, Vanity Fair’s royal editor Katie Nicholl praised the words, saying: “It was a pretty powerful statement!”

“It’s quite unusual to hear the senior Royals venturing into that slightly political territory.”

The final part of William and Kate’s statement read: “As Israel exercises its right of self-defence, all Israelis and Palestinians will continue to be stalked by grief, fear and anger in the time to come. Their Royal Highnesses hold all the victims, their families and their friends in their hearts and minds.”

Nicholl compared the statement by the Prince and Princess of Wales to the King’s own words, in which he condemned “the barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel.”

Nicholl said, “I almost think that William and Catherine's statement went further than the King’s because what they talked about was Israel's right of self-defence, something I think most people wouldn't argue with.”

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Stephen Dixon balked at the idea this point might be divisive, saying: “That shouldn't in reality be controversial!”

Nicholl pointed to online reaction to comments like these, saying: “I think at this time tensions are running so high - and you see this on social media with many of the celebrities that are posting their support and then are getting attacked by the Palestinian side.”

Ellie Costello asked Nicholl if this was a sign of a ‘modernising Royal Family’, and expressed doubts that a statement by the Late Queen would include reference to the victims in Palestine.

Nicholl said: “I completely agree with you. I think we are seeing a more modern monarchy and a monarchy that is prepared to speak out. I think that's what you're seeing both with the King and with the future king. “

Nicholl was quick to point out that the couple’s statement comes with some personal experience in the region.

“The Prince of Wales has visited Israel and the Palestinian territories. That was back in 2018, and that was a historic visit. They went to Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, and into the Palestinian territories as well.”

“So these are two of the most senior Royals with an innate understanding of the complexities of this region.”

“So I think it's it's very delicate territory to navigate. But I actually think those statements were well worded.”