Prince William says goodbye after ‘getting a real feel’ for Israel

Prince William ended his visit to Israel and the Middle East on Thursday afternoon, flying back home to London, having achieved his aim of “getting under the skin of the country,” UK ambassador David Quarrey said.

Quarrey told Hadashot news that the prince had two goals for his trip to the Jewish state — to pay respect to the victims of the Holocaust, and to meet the country’s young people to hear from them their goals and aspirations for the future.

The ambassador said William enjoyed being able to walk around the streets and meet the people of Israel. He told Hadashot that the prince had stressed he didn’t want to spend time in meetings but wanted to get out and get a real feel for the country.

“The Duke was here to celebrate the strength of Israel-UK relations,” Quarrey said.

As he flew out from Ben Gurion Airport, the prince said it had been a pleasure to visit.

האזינו למגדל הפיקוח של נמל התעופה בן גוריון נפרד מהטייס הראשי של בית המלוכה, הקברניט פול סקסטון, שיפרוש מחיל האוויר המלכותי לאחר 20 שנה. בכך מסתיים ביקורו של הנסיך וויליאם במזרח התיכון. @ynetalerts pic.twitter.com/mHNgJ3PmLm

— איתי בלומנטל ???????? Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) June 28, 2018

“It was an honor to have you here. Have a safe journey home,” the control tower radioed to his plane.

The prince replied, “Thank you very much, it was a pleasure to be here.”

A second air traffic controller also wished farewell to Captain Paul Sexton, making his last flight for the Royal Air Force. “We understand it to be your last flight with the Royal Air Force. We want to wish you the best, and have a safe flight. Bye bye.”

“That’s really very kind, sir. Thank you very much,” the pilot replied.

The prince won over many Israelis during his three-day trip to Israel and the West Bank. People took to Twitter to wish farewell to “Prince Charming,” as he flew out of Ben Gurion airport.

להתראות פרינס צ׳ארמינג. #ביקורמלכותי pic.twitter.com/uCkopIoAA6

— UK in Israel ???????? (@ukinisrael) June 28, 2018

The Duke of Cambridge’s stay was the first-ever official visit by a member of the royal family since the British Mandate ended and the State of Israel was founded in 1948.

His Israel visit began Tuesday with a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, accompanied by British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mervis and survivors who were saved from Nazi Germany by being sent to the UK on the Kindertrsansport. He also met families of people who were saved by his great-grandmother Princess Alice of Battenberg, who was recognized as one of the Righteous Among the Nations.

On Tuesday and Wednesday William toured the Tel Aviv beach, met with Israeli youth, and took a stroll down the city’s famed Rothschild Boulevard with Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai.

William told guests at Tuesday’s Ramat Gan reception that Israel is a vibrant country that “thrives on innovation, diversity, talent, and excellence,” and said ties were at an all-time high.

He also promised Britain’s support in the quest for peace between Israel and its neighbors.

“I know I share a desire with all of you, and with your neighbors, for a just and lasting peace. The United Kingdom stands with you, as we work together for a peaceful and prosperous future,” he said.

On Wednesday, in Ramallah, Prince William told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas he was “glad our two countries work so closely together.”

Israel has opposed any attempts by the Palestinians to gain recognition as a state before a permanent peace deal is signed. Still, the Foreign Ministry chose not to respond to William’s comment.

The Duke of Cambridge earlier began his final day in the region with a visit to Princess Alice’s grave on the Mount of Olives.

ביקור הנסיך | ויליאם ברחבת הכותל המערבי • צפו בשידור החי >> https://t.co/Ow97wIYmac pic.twitter.com/tsRh4EmPxl

— חדשות 13 (@newsisrael13) June 28, 2018

He then visited the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount, including a visit to the Dome of the Rock, which is generally off limits for non-Muslims. As he walked through Jerusalem’s Old City he was surrounded by crowds of onlookers.

The palace had stressed that the royal visit was not political, but the prince wrote his hopes for the region in the guestbook at the Western Wall: “May the God of peace bless this region and all the world with peace.”