In Bethlehem, The Prince visited the Mosque of Omar. Inside the Mosque’s prayer hall, His Royal Highness heard about the history of the Mosque and signed the visitors’ book in English and Arabic.
His Royal Highness then visited the Church of the Nativity for an ecumenical service. It was the first time that the three Christian churches have collectively held a service to celebrate the contribution of Christian communities across the Holy Land and wider Middle East. At the church, The Prince visited the Grotto where Jesus was born.
Later, His Royal Highness attended a reception celebrating the ties between the British and Palestinian people.
Addressing gathered guests, The Prince said: “It was a special privilege to visit the Mosque of Omar this morning and to acknowledge the vital co-existence between Christians and Muslims which Bethlehem so marvellously embodies. That today’s service should happen alongside Friday Prayers is particularly symbolic - as friends in Faith we each in our own tradition call upon God to have mercy on His world.”
The Prince then met President Mahmoud Abaas at the Presidential Palace, before visiting a traditional olive grove and fruit orchard at the Carmelite Convent and Sacred Heart Fathers Monastery. Here, His Royal Highness had the opportunity to see and taste a range of produce including olives and olive oil.
Following this, The Prince of Wales travelled to the Mount of Olives, near the Garden of Gethsemane, in Jerusalem to visit the Church of St Mary Magdalene, as well as his grandmother Princess Alice’s tomb.More photos below.
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