Prince Edward says during two-day visit to South Africa that 'men are not doing so well at the moment' and that 'the world is not happy'
He's not known for his sharp political speeches, but Prince Edward – of all people – might have expressed what many a woman is thinking right now.
Seemingly referring to global crises including the invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Hamas war, the king's brother expressed the view that “men may not be doing so well right now.”
Edward, 59, who was created Duke of Edinburgh last year, was speaking during a two-day official visit to South Africa.
Speaking at the British High Commission in Pretoria on Monday evening to announce enhanced scientific cooperation between South Africa and Britain, Edward said: 'I know the world is not in a happy place at the moment.
'If I may be completely honest, men are not doing so well at the moment. That is why I am not particularly happy to stand here and speak [as a man]. But I will say that there is more that unites us, more that brings us together, than divides us.”
Seemingly referring to global crises including the invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas, Prince Edward (pictured on a tour of Pretoria's National Botanical Garden) expressed the view that “men may not do so well in healthcare'. moment'
It is clear that Edward's comments were in response to speeches made by others, and in the context of a number of international conflicts mentioned.
“His Royal Highness reflected on the need to build bridges and not allow conflict to drive communities apart,” the source said.
His words are likely to be welcomed by women's groups, and no doubt by his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who has become a global campaigner on gender equality issues, including the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and the positive role women play in it . building peace.
Sophie is a strong supporter of both the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
Last night Prince Edward arrived in St Helena, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean that remains a British Overseas Territory.
And one of his first tasks was to meet Jonathan, the Seychelles tortoise, who is believed to be 192 years old. He was born in the 1830s, when King William IV was on the throne.
He has met a number of members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Anne, who was the last royal to visit the country in 2002.
In Saint Helena, the king's youngest brother will open the airport, meet community leaders and also meet the island's most famous resident: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise.
Prince Edward receives a gift from a traditional healer during a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Edward (pictured during his visit), 59, who was created Duke of Edinburgh last year, spoke during a two-day official visit to South Africa
The Duke of Edinburgh receives gifts from traditional healers during a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in Pretoria, South Africa
The Duke of Edinburgh talks to South Africa's Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy
Jonathan is the oldest living land animal in the world and is believed to have hatched in 1832.
A public holiday has been announced on the island on Wednesday to celebrate the visit of the duke, who is 14th in line to the throne.
Edward is the first member of the Royal Family to visit St Helena since the Princess Royal traveled there 22 years ago in 2002.
Governor Nigel Phillips said: 'This promises to be a special occasion, with a public holiday that allows the whole community to take this opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the culture and environment of this remarkable island.'
The overseas tour comes as the Princess of Wales remains in hospital following abdominal surgery, with the Prince of Wales temporarily stepping back from his royal duties to care for her and their children, and as the King prepares to be admitted to a undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate. .
The Duke and his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, both aged 59, are the youngest members of Charles' downsized working monarchy currently serving in royal duties.
At just 47 square kilometers, St Helena is a third the size of the Isle of Wight, and about the same size as Disney World Orlando. The nearest landmass is Ascension Island, which lies 800 miles to the northwest.