Prince William delivered a powerful message about the “appalling suffering” in regions such as Gaza and Ukraine as he unveiled the new Global Humanitarian Memorial in Gunnersbury Park, West London, on October 1.
The seven-metre steel monument, created by artist Michael Landy, honors aid workers who have risked or lost their lives while helping others.
Honoring Humanitarians Worldwide
The structure features 15 engraved figures that tell the stories of humanitarian workers and the people they served. It stands as a non-political public space dedicated to those who devote their lives to humanitarian service. The ceremony, attended by bereaved families and international aid agencies, came after what was reported as the deadliest year for aid workers, with over 380 killed and many more injured, detained, or kidnapped.
Prince William met with survivors of targeted attacks and representatives from organizations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Islamic Relief, and the Mines Advisory Group before addressing the audience.
“A Thread of Shared Humanity”
In his heartfelt speech, William said, “Around the world, far too many people continue to face unimaginable pain, suffering and loss—whether through natural disasters or man-made conflict and famine. We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti, and indeed throughout much of the Middle East.”
He added that the efforts of humanitarian workers, “like those in Gaza, run like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.”
William praised their courage, saying: “Rather than running away from danger, discomfort, and hunger, these incredibly brave men and women stay behind to bring whatever respite, compassion, and care they can to those who need it the most. We must champion and fight for their access to people in the most desperate of circumstances.”
A Personal Reflection on His Encounters
Reflecting on his past experiences, the Prince recalled meeting humanitarian workers during his 2018 visit to Palestine and Israel, including UN staff at the Jalazone refugee camp, as well as those in Poland and Estonia helping Ukrainian families displaced by the war. “They do essential work in the most challenging of places,” he said.
Prince William emphasized the dangers faced by aid workers: “Too often, hundreds of humanitarian aid workers around the world are killed while on duty. Every single one of those deaths is a tragedy—a cruel affront to the international humanitarian principles which must remain sacrosanct.”
He continued, “One thing that should unite all of us is support and protection for those that seek to help others in the most dire situations. The brave humanitarians who seek to feed and heal innocent people deserve our respect and deserve their safety.”
A Legacy for Future Generations
The Prince expressed hope that the memorial would serve as both “a place for quiet contemplation and for education.” He added, “Children now and in the future can learn about humanitarianism and the remarkably brave men and women who endanger their lives every day to help others in their hour of greatest need.”
Prince William’s speech was both a tribute and a call to action—urging the world to safeguard those who dedicate their lives to easing the suffering of others.
