Harry and Meghan Arrive in Jordan for Humanitarian Mission
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have touched down in Jordan for a significant two-day visit centered on addressing the pressing needs of refugees in the region. Their arrival comes at a tumultuous time for the Royal Family, which is reeling from the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
WHO Roundtable Kicks Off Visit
The couple commenced their trip with a high-level roundtable discussion hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Amman. The summit brought together representatives from the United Nations, diplomatic officials, and key donors. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus personally welcomed Harry and Meghan at the organization's offices, greeting them with warm embraces.
During the roundtable, which included diplomats from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and Canada, British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall expressed gratitude for the Sussexes' presence. "Your visit, your support, your appreciation of the efforts that the United Nations, including of course, the World Health Organisation, the government of Jordan and others, are making here is enormously appreciated," he stated.
Focus on Refugee Support and Health Programs
Invited by Dr. Ghebreyesus, Harry and Meghan's itinerary includes meetings with Jordanian leaders, health officials, and WHO teams. They will also visit frontline health and mental health program services, highlighting critical support systems for displaced populations.
Additionally, the couple plans to engage with World Central Kitchen staff coordinating food relief efforts for Gaza from Amman and tour the Questscope youth center, a social development organization. At the Questscope Youth Centre in the Za'atari refugee camp, Meghan participated in a lighthearted kickabout with locals, while both listened to music classes and examined local artwork.
Jordan's Long History as a Refugee Haven
Jordan has served as a sanctuary for refugees for decades, beginning with Palestinians over 80 years ago, who now number approximately 2.5 million. The country has also welcomed Syrians fleeing conflict, with the latest wave of displacement stemming from the Gaza war following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.
Ambassador Hall emphasized the need for a lasting solution during the roundtable, noting, "And of course, the last point is just to say a lasting solution of this requires a regional peace. It requires, in particular, peace between Palestine and Israel and the two-state solution - that's easily said, we all know it's very hard to achieve, but we're all working on that too."
Royal Context and Personal Background
This humanitarian visit occurs against a backdrop of royal crisis, with Prince Andrew's arrest casting a shadow over the monarchy. Harry has not publicly commented on the turmoil affecting his relatives. Since stepping down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and relocating to California, the Sussexes have undertaken several foreign visits that resemble official royal trips, continuing their advocacy work on the global stage.
Their Jordan trip underscores their commitment to humanitarian causes, even as they navigate their complex relationship with the Royal Family. The visit not only highlights refugee issues but also demonstrates their ongoing role in international diplomacy and support for vulnerable communities worldwide.
