The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have embarked on a significant two-day visit to Jordan, centered on humanitarian support for refugees in the region. Their trip commenced with a high-level roundtable summit hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Amman, Jordan's capital. The event brought together representatives from the United Nations, diplomatic officials, and donors to discuss critical refugee issues.
Emotional Hospital Visits and Refugee Camp Engagement
During their visit, the Sussexes made an emotional stop at the private Specialty Hospital in Amman, where they met with young patients undergoing treatment. Among them was 17-year-old Jaber, whose legs were severely injured and held together by a metal frame. Meghan, visibly moved, expressed her relief that he was receiving necessary care. The couple also interacted with 14-year-old Maria, a survivor from Gaza who suffered severe burns and post-traumatic stress disorder after an explosion killed six family members, leading to the amputation of toes on her right foot.
Activities at Za'atari Refugee Camp
The Sussexes later visited the Za'atari Refugee Camp, home to tens of thousands of displaced Syrians. At a youth centre operated by the social development organisation Questscope, they participated in various activities. Meghan joined young girls for a football skills session, celebrating enthusiastically when she scored a goal, while Harry attempted a penalty shot that missed. The couple also observed music lessons, where teenage girls played traditional Arabic instruments, violins, and guitars. Through an interpreter, Harry conversed with 15-year-old Siham, a refugee who has lived in Jordan since age two, and she responded in perfect English about making friends through the classes.
Royal Family Context and Diplomatic Support
This humanitarian visit occurs against the backdrop of a crisis within the Royal Family, following the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Despite this turmoil, the Sussexes' trip garnered diplomatic appreciation. British ambassador to Jordan, Philip Hall, thanked the couple for their support, highlighting the importance of their visit in acknowledging efforts by the United Nations, WHO, and the Jordanian government.
Jordan's Role as a Refugee Haven
Jordan has a long history as a refuge for displaced populations, starting with Palestinians over 80 years ago, who now number around 2.5 million, and more recently Syrians fleeing conflict. The latest influx stems from the Gaza war, initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. The Sussexes' engagement underscores ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.
Since stepping down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and relocating to California, Harry and Meghan have conducted several foreign visits resembling official royal trips, with this Jordan tour emphasizing their continued commitment to global causes.
