Today the Duke of Cambridge recognized the courage of Afghan refugees as they risked everything to get work in Britain.
William visited Leeds in celebration of the resilience and generosity shown by the communities throughout the region.
For security reasons, his first stop was at a local hotel. It is currently being used for refugees who fled Kabul in the fall after the Taliban won.
Family members who have had to give up everything, including their loved ones, were told by him that it was important that they are now safe. Your future is bright. Your welcome couldn’t be greater. Thank you so much for your kindness and support.
This afternoon, the Duke of Cambridge met refugee families that had been evacuated from Afghanistan by the Taliban. He did so in Leeds.
After chatting with Afghan refugees, 39-year-old Duke visited the hotel’s children area, where he saw children play and was informed about the efforts of the local community.
William visited amid reports of an argument between the Royal Family and the BBC after the BBC’s two-part series The Princes and the Press. William appeared upbeat as he talked with families
This hotel boasts a vibrantly-colored welcome song. It has been home to up 175 people for several weeks, sometimes even months until permanent housing is available.
All things were taken care of by the local authorities, community organizations, and charities.
After being greeted with a rousing round of applause and cheers by the refugees, the prince met two families from Kabul who had fled in September to reach the UK.
First, one of the men praised the Daily Mail for its long-standing campaign Betrayal Of The Brave. This was to assist former Afghan translators who had worked alongside the British Army to relocate to the UK.
Prince William visited the city in celebration of the many communities that have welcomed refugees. He also visited the hotel where temporary housing is available for families.
William wanted to know about the lives of Afghan refugees evacuated to Britain during his surprise trip to Leeds’ local hotel this afternoon
Hussain Saeedi Samangan lit up as the reporter presented herself. It is sacred for us.
Mt Samangan was 38 years old and worked at the British Embassy Kabul as a Political Secretary. This saved us. The Daily Mail taught us everything. Daniel, his 10-year-old son thought Daniel was talking to him about Dairy Milk. He giggled.
He shouted “No Daniel Daily Mail”, But both are equally delicious to us. Masooma, his 31-year-old wife and editor in chief at a Kabul newspaper, was with him. Arian and Daniel were also present, which entertained William with their antics.
According to him, their escape from Kabul was difficult as well as their experiences in quarantine in the UK. But they were very welcome in Yorkshire and are optimistic of a bright future here.
Pictured is the Duke of Cambridge escaping from the freezing weather when he entered Leeds Hotel this afternoon
William is pictured chatting with refugee families who were evacuated to the UK after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in a Leeds hotel today
He explained that he didn’t believe Kabul would fall. The media portrayed it as a shock to everyone. There were some very difficult moments just before we had to evacuate. However, we were able to access the British government’s assistance in getting to the airport. This was a huge difference from others who spent many hours at that gate. We had a smoother way to get her.
William wanted to ask if the Taliban’s ‘new’ regime would differ from theirs.
He shook his head and said, “No.” He shook his head and said firmly: ‘No. “The prince wanted to see how their resettlement was going so far.
Is the process getting more manageable? He said, “I must think that it must have been traumatic to start a new lifestyle.”
“Yes, but it’s daunting to do everything all over again,” he stated. “But, we’re an open family and me and my partner believe that there will be a better future for us here. The second section of our experiences in the UK over the past three months has been some of our most memorable. We’re settling down well. And we’re making friends. Daniel told me that he has made 11 new friends since he started school.
‘Eleven friends? ; interjected William. You have more Daniel than me.
Daniel’s father said, “And he had a letter to you that he put in the names of his friend,” leaving the royal’s eyes moving.
“We have made friends. I started college, and my wife is studying English at school. The prince stated, “Well, both of you are very competent people.”
Haroom Shahab (33), a Kabul Airport firefighter, also met him. He was there with Zehra Akbarti (28)
William was told by he how his family spent 28 hours waiting at the airport for 200m to make it to their flight to the UK.
William watched Afghan children play in the Children’s Area of Leeds Hotel while learning about vital community work to support refugees.
William learned about the support from the local community including donations of clothes and essential supplies as he chatted with refugees
Shahab described scenes of ‘horrific,’ with people running toward the runways in their despair. This made it impossible for the planes to land.
They were desperate and ran in front of an approaching plane. It was extremely difficult for us,” he stated.
“We tried to escape the country, because our lives were ripped to pieces.
“When we reached the UK, it was clear that we would be safe. People are being killed by the Taliban, and police officers as well as their families have been gunned to death. Anybody with any connection to the British, NATO or British government.
We are making our lives easier here. We are loved by the people. They have been very kind to us. Their support is invaluable, including food, clothing and education. They are so happy that we live here. I hope to be able get back my job as a firefighter.
William observed the play of Afghan children as he talked to their families about his vital community work in helping refugees settle in the UK.
“But I worried for the families of my colleagues who are still alive. Their families are being hunted and killed.
William Saiid said, “It must have been very difficult to build your new existence here while you’re so concerned about them,”
The prince heard his story about how the Taliban took his parents when they turned up looking for him.
William observed, “There’s a lot fear and a lot worry still.”
He replied “Yes,” and said his father was 82 years old.
“And, in your eyes,” replied William. William was questioned.
“When I was 18, I first saw them. They don’t seem to have changed. They were screaming and crying at the children as they walked through the airport. They don’t care about humanity.
William talked to the families also about how important it was for them to learn English in order to be able integrate into the new society.
According to Mr Shahab, ‘NATO’ and the British army spent over $100,000 per person in training us and helping us learn English.
“And what can you expect for the future?” William asked. ‘Obviously homes first, but hopefully jobs, education….’
Both men stated that they were eager to find work to provide for their family.
“Well, you’re smiling. That’s what’s important,” the prince replied. “Well, it was a pleasure to have you and your family here. It’s so great to have received such warm reception here.
He also met with representatives of groups that provide mental health support to families. Many had experienced traumatic and frightening journeys in order to reach the UK.
While he worried for the families of those who were left behind, he asked representatives from Solace how they helped them.
According to him, many people suffered from anxiety. He also heard that loved ones such as elderly children and disabled were left behind because they couldn’t get onto planes in the chaotic airport.
How can you build a new lifestyle when your old life is so traumatic? It must be extremely difficult,” William asked.
After visiting the nursery group, where he met parents once a week, the prince concluded his visit with a positive note. Omidullah Ahmedi (32), had been working as a translator for British military regiments such the Yorkshire Regiment or the Gurkhas. His wife Santga (26), was there with him.
“And, I still feel so terrified for my family back in hotel. “I would ask the British government for help to assist them. “How has the community been to you guys?” William asked.
Now Mr Ahmad is a taxi driver, translator and smiles that they love our stories. They are also very shocked when we tell them about our time with the Army.
“It is a great feeling to be in this place, I feel so lucky. It was extremely dangerous back home. The British people are truly amazing for all they did for us.
“It is always difficult and challenging to come from such an impoverished country or culture, but with the support of the Refugee Council (and the British government) it was easy.”
William observed, “Everyone here feels connected with you.” You and your family have a lot to be loved. You have given up so much and you are proud of what you achieved. Your shining example is an inspiration to all who follow you.
Mozhda Ahmed (a former employee of the government) and Khalil Ahmed (4 years), were together with Subhan.
He works for the Co-Op, but he studied in Helmand at night law and politics. His goal is to continue his studies in Helmand and to pursue a career here.
“I am grateful for the support of the British Government here. He said that we have been well supported since our arrival.
“I know there were bumps. After all the hardships you’ve endured, it takes some time for one to be comfortable with their new life and feel at ease. William stated, “There is a bright tomorrow ahead of you.”
Enver Solomon is the chair of Refugee Council. He praises the coordination of Yorkshire’s efforts to accept Afghan refugees into this country. These include simple gifts of clothes or toiletries, as well as housing, guidance on how to adapt and settle in Britain, mental health, and child care support.
“The community has been united in Leeds, with agencies and charities coming together,” he said. You can see the difference in Leeds, which is an excellent example of all that was done nationwide to provide the best welcome possible for the families.
“It is very significant for them that the Duke of Cambridge visit this place today. This means a lot to many people. It was a special moment for the family to meet him today. Another example of their feeling loved and accepted.