Despite not carrying out public facing engagements due to undergoing treatment for cancer, The King has continued to carry out duties behind the scenes, including his daily Red Boxes of government papers, and issuing messages on occasions deemed necessary.
Charles issued a statement of support to the Ukrainian people to mark the two years of conflict in the country last month, in a move to continue to show his support for the country following Russia’s invasion.
The King opened his message by noting how the ‘determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year’.
He stated that ‘Ukrainians continue to show the heroism’ despite ‘the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them’, something that he has seen during his many engagements and meetings he has had with ‘Ukrainians since the start of the war’
He continues to be ‘greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need’ and his heart goes out to all those affected, Charles added.
The King meets the President of Ukraine. (Royal Family)
In February 2023, The King held an Audience with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at Buckingham Palace, during his first visit to the country since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Greeting the President, The King said at the time: ‘We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can’t tell you’.
Mr Zelensky, wearing the khaki fatigues that have long been his uniform, replied to say what a ‘big support’ both Houses of Parliament had been upon his visit, to which The Monarch told him: ‘I’m so glad’.
He also thanked The King for ‘finding the time’ for a meeting, expressing it was a ‘great honour’ to be at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen carried out her first in-person engagement since catching COVID. (Royal Family)
The Royal Family have played their part in supporting Ukrainian refugees and the country since February 2022. After the Russian invasion began, the then-Prince of Wales condemned the ‘brutal aggression’ of Russia. He has also visited a number of Ukrainian refugee centres, including the Ukrainian Cathedral in London and meeting those helping refugees.
The late Queen was also photographed in front of flowers that represented the colours of the Ukraine flag, during an Audience with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Many regarded this as tacit support for the invaded nation.
