Month: September 2024

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India News London News UK News

British Hindus’ APPG elects Bob Blackman as chair, outlines action plan

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) outlined a six-month action plan, with a follow-up plan to be discussed at future meetings.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus has been reconstituted following the 2024 UK general elections, with new members joining the group. The first Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on September 11, 2024, in Parliament, where Bob Blackman, the former chairman, was re-elected to his position. The meeting saw cross-party participation, with eight MPs in attendance, including representatives from the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties.

At the AGM, the group reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns of the British Hindu community. New parliamentary members were introduced, and the group discussed plans for the future. The Advocacy for British Hindus and Indians (ABHI) was confirmed as the group’s secretariat, responsible for advising on Hindu festivals, community activities, and supporting the APPG’s work.

The meeting also saw the election of four officers: Bob Blackman as Chairman, Navendu Mishra as Officer, Shivani Raja as Officer, and Luke Taylor as Officer. The AGM outlined a six-month action plan, with a follow-up plan to be discussed at future meetings. Additional members are expected to join the APPG in the coming days.

The attending MPs included Bob Blackman (Conservative), Luke Taylor (Liberal Democrat), Jim Dickson (Labour), Barry Gardiner (Labour), Navendu Mishra (Labour), Bobby Dean (Liberal Democrat), Shivani Raja (Conservative), and Deirdre Costigan (Labour).

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-Top News Arab News World News

WHO: Over 22,500 in Gaza suffer life-changing injuries

Severe limb injuries – estimated to affect between 13,455 and 17,550 individuals – were the leading cause of long-term rehabilitation needs, reports Asian Lite News

At least 22,500 people, or a quarter of those injured in the Gaza conflict as of July 23, are suffering from life-changing injuries that will require long-term rehabilitation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported.

The report published o Thursday underscored the immense burden on Gaza’s already crippled healthcare system, saying that severe limb injuries were the leading cause of rehabilitation needs. These limb injuries are estimated to affect between 13,455 and 17,550 individuals, Xinhua news agency reported.

These injuries are compounded by some 4,000 amputations, and a sharp rise in cases of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burns, many of which involve women and children.

Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, warned that Gaza’s health infrastructure is unable to meet the increasing demands.

“The huge surge in rehabilitation needs occurs in parallel with the ongoing decimation of the health system,” he said, emphasizing the critical shortage of acute rehabilitation services and specialized care for complex injuries.

As the conflict continues, ensuring access to essential healthcare, including rehabilitation services, remains crucial to preventing further illness and fatalities, the Geneva-based health agency said.

ALSO READ: Global outrage as Israel pounds UN-run Gaza school

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-Top News China India News

‘75% of disengagement problems sorted out with China’

Jaishankar also underlined how India and China never had an easy relationship in the past.

Highlighting the progress on border talks with China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that 75 per cent of disengagement problems with Beijing are sorted out; however, the two nations “still have some things to do.”

Jaishankar also underlined how India and China never had an easy relationship in the past.

“We did not have an easy relationship in the past. What happened in 2020 was in violation of multiple agreements, the Chinese moved a large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control. We, in response, moved our troops up.. Some progress on border talks with China. 75 per cent of disengagement problems are sorted out. We still have some things to do,” Jaishankar said during his conversation with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy on Thursday.

“If there is a solution to disengagement and there is a return to peace and tranquillity, we can look at other possibilities. That is the immediate issue,” he further added.

Jaishankar said that the two countries had a difficult relationship in the past and spoke about 2020 when the Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan Valley.

He also described the India-China relationship as “complex” and highlighted the long-standing struggle in the trade issues between the two nations and said that the economic relationship with China has been “unfair and imbalanced.”

The EAM said, “It (India-China relations) is a very complex relationship… They had bad periods in history. Both of them are reviving and are rejuvenating in a way… They are the only two countries that have a population of more than a billion. And what happens normally when any country rises is that it has a ripple effect on the neighbourhood. These two countries also have the honour of being each other’s neighbours. So each one’s rise has a ripple impact… So if you take the totality of this, you can understand why I selected a safe expressive word like complex.”

Notably, India and China held the 31st meeting of the WMCC in Beijing on August 29, and the two sides had decided to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity on the ground in border areas in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements and protocols.

The two sides had a “frank, constructive and forward-looking” exchange of views on the LAC situation and also agreed to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Meanwhile, the EAM further said that apart from border issues, the two nations also face difficulties in other sectors, including technology, telecom, and digital.

“I think there are larger issues in respect of India-China. We have a long struggle with the trade issue… The economic relationship with China has been very unfair. It has been very imbalanced that we don’t have market access there. They have much better market access here in India. We have many concerns today in various areas, like technology, telecom, and digital.”

Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland on September 12 after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal greetings to him there. (ANI)

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-Top News India News USA

Biden to host Modi during Quad Leaders’ Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes US President Joe Biden before before a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Friday, September 08, 2023. (Photo:IANS/PIB)

The summit will focus on bolstering strategic convergence among our countries, advancing a shared vision of free and open Indo-Pacific region.

US President Joe Biden is set to host the fourth in-person Quad leaders summit in Delaware on September 21 and is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as other leaders, the White House said on Thursday (local time).

The summit will focus on bolstering strategic convergence among our countries, advancing a shared vision of free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday, September 21. The President looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

“This will be President Biden’s first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president–a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries,” the statement added.

It is pertinent to note that in recent years, Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, and Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority, from the first-ever Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in 2021 to annual summits since then,” Jean-Pierre said.

Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries–Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.

“The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas,” the statement read.

“These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity,” it added.

The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India. (ANI)

ALSO READ: No more presidential debate with Harris, says Trump

Categories
News USA

Venezuela calls US sanctions a ‘crime of aggression’

Venezuela rejected the new sanctions the US Treasury Department imposed against several Venezuelan officials “in the strongest terms.”

In a statement on Thursday, Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Ministry denounced the US move as “unilateral, illegitimate and illegal coercive measures” and a “new crime of aggression,” Xinhua news agency reported.

Washington has once again demonstrated “its total disregard for international law, the self-determination of peoples and the democratic will of Venezuelans,” it said.

The ministry noted that the latest sanctions violated the agreements signed in Qatar between the governments of Venezuela and the United States in September 2023.

Earlier in the day, the US Treasury Department announced new individual sanctions against 16 Venezuelan officials in various branches of government.

It said that the sanctioned officials “obstructed democratic political participation and undermined the election process” during the recent presidential elections in Venezuela.

Among the officials listed were the President of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Caryslia Rodriguez, and the first Vice President of the National Assembly, Pedro Infante.

Categories
-Top News Politics USA

No more presidential debate with Harris, says Trump

Adam Green, the co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee – that has advised the Harris-Walz campaign on economic messaging – said that Trump’s decision was a “double favour” to the Harris campaign

The possibility of a second meeting between the two US Presidential candidates before election day was dashed on Thursday when former President Donald Trump announced he would not take part in another debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

He asserted that he won Tuesday’s debate with Harris despite some polls showing otherwise.

“When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, ‘I WANT A REMATCH’. Polls clearly show that I won the debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The former president claimed that subjects like immigration and inflation were covered “in great detail” both in Tuesday night’s discussion with Harris and in his June debate with President Biden.

Trump, in a strong attack on the Biden-Harris administration, said that they have ‘destroyed’ the country.

“She and Crooked Joe have destroyed our country, with millions of criminals and mentally deranged people pouring into the USA, totally unchecked and unvetted, and with inflation bankrupting our middle class. Everyone knows this, and all of the other problems caused by Kamala and Joe. It was discussed in great detail during the first debate with Joe, and the second debate with Comrade Harris,” the former US President said.

“She was a no-show at the Fox debate and refused to do NBC & CBS,” Trump said in his post, adding “KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!”

Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are the official presidential candidates of their respective parties, after they accepted the nomination at the conventions earlier this year.

The US presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5 this year.

Notably, the first presidential debate was held in June between President Biden and Trump, where the former’s performance expressed concerns over his age. Following this, Biden made an exit from the race and endorsed Harris.

Adam Green, the co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee – an organisation that has advised the Harris-Walz campaign on economic messaging – said that Trump’s decision was a “double favour” to the Harris campaign.

“Voters will have a lasting impression of Kamala Harris as looking presidential and standing on their side,” he said. “That will probably do her very well. Another debate would potentially help Harris, but could also shake up the existing glow that surrounds her,” Green added.

Jeremy Petersen, an independent voter from Utah, said that he was not surprised by Trump’s decision. “If [Trump] doesn’t feel like he can score some social media soundbites, there’s no benefit for him to show up,” said Mr Petersen, who added that he would probably support Harris after the Philadelphia debate.

“He felt that Harris wouldn’t have the type of performance she did and now he’s running scared,” Petersen added. “He can’t stop her momentum via debate so he needs a new angle.”

Televised debates date back to 1960, when John F Kennedy faced off against Richard Nixon.

There are traditionally two or three presidential debates happening in most election cycles, along with at least one vice-presidential debate.

That tradition, however, was upended in July, when Joe Biden withdrew from the election weeks after a disastrous performance against Trump in the first debate.

The subsequent debate between Harris and Trump followed weeks of back and forth over whether it would go ahead, and under what conditions.

Trump previously suggested additional debates on Fox and NBC News, although Harris only agreed to ABC.

In his Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump said his rival “refused” to do the additional debates.

Statistics from media analytics firm Nielsen show that 67.1m people watched the debate, a significantly higher figure than the 51.3m who tuned into the June debate between Trump and Biden.

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama praised Harris’ debate performance and said everyone saw who has he vision and strength to move this country forward instead of dividing it.

“Tonight, we saw firsthand who has the vision and strength to move this country forward instead of dividing us. @KamalaHarris will be a president for all Americans,” he stated on X.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also heaped praises on VP Harris and said there should be no doubt or further room for discussion, that the “only candidate in this race who is ready to be President” is Kamala Harris.

“After tonight’s debate there should be no doubt – no room for discussion -@KamalaHarrisis the only candidate in this race who is ready to be President,” she stated in a post on X.

“I am once again urging everyone to roll up their sleeves and DO SOMETHING – phone bank, knock on doors, talk to any and everyone you know and urge them to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Every vote will matter in what will be a close race. We cannot afford to have anyone sitting on the sidelines. There’s simply too much at stake,” she added.

ALSO READ: Biden wears ‘Trump 2024’ hat, White House says ‘show of unity’

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-Top News Arab News World

Global outrage as Israel pounds UN-run Gaza school

UNRWA reported that six of its employees, who had been providing aid to families taking refuge in the facility, were killed.

Countries in the Middle East condemned on Thursday an Israeli airstrike on a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza’s al-Nuseirat refugee camp, which occurred on Wednesday and resulted in 18 fatalities.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) asserted that the target was a Hamas command and control centre concealed within the shelter. UNRWA reported that six of its employees, who had been providing aid to families taking refuge in the facility, were killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry described the attack as a “blatant violation of international laws,” criticized the targeting of international and UN facilities, and called for accountability for the perpetrators. Egypt emphasized the urgent need to address “Israeli breaches” and urged influential parties to ensure Israel’s compliance with international obligations.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a “blatant violation of international law” and a “new war crime” amidst ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza. Spokesperson Sufian Qudah denounced the attack as part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression,” which he argued contradicted human values and international law. He called for immediate international intervention and support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack in the “strongest” terms. The Saudi foreign ministry called for an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection, and an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, criticized Israeli violations of international law, and urged accountability for attacks on relief facilities.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani condemned the strike on social media, highlighting that schools and shelters in Gaza had become primary targets. Kanaani called on the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia to address their role in supplying arms to Israel.

Qatar’s foreign ministry labelled the attack a “horrifying massacre,” describing it as further evidence of Israel’s “criminal practices” violating international humanitarian law. Qatar demanded an urgent international investigation and the deployment of independent UN investigators to assess the ongoing targeting of schools and shelters.

Iraq also condemned the school attack, with Iraqi government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi stating that the Israeli attack was part of a “brutal and criminal” pattern of violence against Palestinian civilians and infrastructure.

‘Endless & senseless killing’

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres deplored the killings and said these “dramatic violations of international humanitarian law” needs to stop.

“What’s happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. A school turned shelter for around 12,000 people was hit by Israeli airstrikes again today. Six of our @UNRWA colleagues are among those killed. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now,” the UN chief stated in a post on X.

UN Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini also deplored the killings and said that at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in this war. He further added that “longer the impunity prevails,” the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions will become “irrelevant.”

“Endless & senseless killing, day after day. Another school sheltering displaced people hit in Nuseirat today. Among the people killed are six @UNRWAstaff working & providing support to families who have sought refuge in the school.

“Since the beginning of this war, at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in #GazaHumanitarian staff, premises& operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant,” he added.

Meanwhile, the UN reported that health workers are continuing efforts to vaccinate young children in northern Gaza against polio, part of a wider campaign to defeat the disease, which can cause paralysis.

More than 81,600 boys and girls were vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Polio was detected in Gaza in June and UN agencies and partners launched a two-round campaign this month to provide over 640,000 children with two doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2.

So far, nearly 5,28,000 children have been reached in the first round.

“More than 230 teams are on the ground trying to reach all children under the age of 10 with the first batch of the polio vaccination,” UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in New York, adding that “they will need to do this again in four weeks.”

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza had reached 41,118, according to health authorities in the region, amid Israel’s large-scale offensive against Hamas that began in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

ALSO READ: Iran seeks closer ties with Iraq

Categories
-Top News China UAE News

UAE, China to expand strategic ties

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Premier Li Qiang commented on this year’s 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the UAE and China, reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts to enhance and expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

During the talks at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, Premier Li conveyed to Sheikh Mohamed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his best wishes for the UAE’s continued progress and the further strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the visit of Premier Li and his accompanying delegation, conveying his heartfelt greetings to President Xi Jinping and extending his congratulations on the upcoming anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, celebrated on 1st October. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence that this visit would advance the strategic partnership between the two countries, in line with their shared commitment to advancing collaboration across all sectors.

The two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of the economy, trade, investment, industry, renewable energy, and sustainability, as well as education and culture, which remain priorities for both nations’ development strategies.

Sheikh Mohamed and the Chinese Premier commented on this year’s 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the UAE and China, noting that during that time both sides have fostered a close partnership that contributes to the sustainable development of both nations and the prosperity of their peoples.

The President reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to further strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China in a manner that aligns with the developmental aspirations of both nations.

The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasising the importance of all efforts to promote peace and stability worldwide. They underscored the need to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and diplomatic channels, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination within the common international frameworks that unite their countries, in a manner that serves their mutual interests and advances peace, development, and prosperity globally.

Sheikh Mohamed and Premier Li also discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly the efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, providing sufficient, safe, and sustainable humanitarian aid, and preventing the escalation of conflict, which threatens regional security and stability. They underscored the importance of working towards a lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

Sheikh Mohamed also highlighted the significance of the outcomes from his visit to China in May this year, and expressed his appreciation for President Xi Jinping’s commitment to strengthening the partnership and friendship between the two countries. His Highness emphasised the UAE’s keenness to remain a strategic partner in the Belt and Road initiative, adding that UAE-China relations exemplify international cooperation that supports diplomacy and dialogue.

Li Qiang also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The two leaders discussed the growing strategic partnership, and explored new avenues to expand ties.

The discussions spanned a range of political, economic, commercial, and cultural issues, with both leaders emphasising the need to deepen cooperation to serve mutual interests and aspirations.

Business Forum

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the UAE-China Business Forum, which concluded successfully with the participation of over 300 delegates.

The Chinese delegation at the Forum was led by Premier Li Qiang.

The event, organised by Dubai Chambers, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), was hosted by the Ministry of Economy of the UAE, and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

The Forum brought together businessmen and investors from the UAE and China to discuss ways to enhance economic and trade relations and boost mutual investments involving business communities in both countries.

The event coincides with celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.

GCC-China FTA

Chinese Premier called on China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to speed up the free trade agreement negotiations process.

In his meeting with Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Li noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the GCC countries held the first China-GCC Summit in 2022, jointly drawing a new blueprint for the China-GCC pragmatic cooperation.

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), China stands ready to work with the GCC countries to enhance communication and coordination, build a strong political foundation for bilateral relations, make steady progress in advancing cooperation in the five key areas proposed at the China-GCC Summit, speed up China-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and expand cooperation in areas such as digital economy and green development, said the Chinese premier.

Categories
Crime London News UK News

UK crime minister’s bag stolen at police conference

The incident occurred when Diana Johnson attended the Police Superintendents’ Association conference in central England on Tuesday where one senior officer told her in a speech that the criminal justice system was broken, reports Asian Lite News

Britain’s police and crime minister had her bag stolen at a conference for senior and midranking police officers where she spoke about the growing problem of theft and shoplifting, a government official said on Thursday.

The incident occurred when Diana Johnson attended the Police Superintendents’ Association conference in central England on Tuesday where one senior officer told her in a speech that the criminal justice system was broken.

The official said Johnson had her bag stolen at the conference, but no security risk had been identified. In her speech, Johnson said Britain had been “gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behavior, theft and shoplifting.”

The Home Office, or interior ministry, declined to comment.

Warwickshire Police said a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail in connection to the incident.

Britain has been hit by an increase in thefts and shoplifting in recent years. While overall crime has generally been decreasing, the number of thefts from individuals of items like bags and mobile phones rose by 40 percent in the year ending March, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This has contributed to public support for the police falling to record lows. A poll by YouGov earlier this year found more than half of the public do not trust the police to solve crimes, and over a third said they have no faith in the police to maintain law and order.

In her speech, Johnson announced plans to give more police officers training to tackle anti-social behavior after a “decade of decline.”

“Too many town centers and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behavior, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue,” she said.

ALSO READ: Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ in speech to RAF

Categories
-Top News Defence UK News

Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ in speech to RAF

The Prince of Wales spoke at a graduation ceremony for more than 50 officers who have completed their training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, reports Asian Lite news

Prince William has told RAF officers the UK will be relying on them to deal with “future threats” during what he called a “time of change and uncertainty”.

The Prince of Wales spoke at a graduation ceremony for more than 50 officers who have completed their training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

William was also joined by his mother’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale – an unusual appearance since members of the Spencer family do not normally attend royal engagements. The prince trained at RAF Cranwell, where he flew solo for the first time and later received his wings from his father during a ceremony there in 2008.

He remained in the RAF for much of his active military career, going on to fly as a helicopter pilot. In his speech to officers, William said: “We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.”

The Prince of Wales attends the Sovereign’s Parade, on behalf of King Charles III, at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell, Lincolnshire. Picture date: Thursday September 12, 2024.

During the graduation, where he was representing his father at the Sovereign’s Parade, he acknowledged the royal salute of the officers who spent up to 24 weeks undergoing strenuous military training. The prince, who wore his RAF uniform and was still sporting his summer beard first seen in August, spoke about the roles the officers will play “in supporting the futures of your countries’ air forces”.

“I say ‘your countries’, as I know that in addition to our newest Royal Air Force officers on parade today, there are also officers from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda,” he said.

“Multi-national relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace.”

Last month Lady Sarah – one of Diana, Princess of Wales’, siblings – attended the funeral of the late husband of her sister Lady Jane Fellowes. William and his estranged brother the Duke of Sussex also attended the service but did not talk to each other, according to reports.

Earlier in the week William spoke about his previous military career and love of helicopters. As patron of Wales Air Ambulance, he visited the charity’s headquarters in Llanelli in honour of Air Ambulance Week. The former RAF search and rescue pilot also served with the East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017.

ALSO READ: Russia can end war now, says UK Prime Minister