<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening? </h2>

This week, Prince WilliamThe son of King Charles III, and the next in line to the British throne. did something unusual. He spoke about politics and war.

On Tuesday he said: "I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle EastThe lands around the east of the Mediterranean Sea and Arabia. since the HamasA militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. terrorist attack on OctoberOn 7 October 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas, which controls Gaza, carried out a series of surprise attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking more than 200 hostages. ... I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible."

His comments made front-page headlines. Some people agreed with his choice. Others did not.

William is the future King of England. In the UK, the Royal Family almost never talk about politics. Few people ever knew what Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022, really thought.

In the Daily Mail, Richard Kay said William was "close to entering a minefield". Some people might think he was supporting the PalestiniansPeople from Palestine, an area located in the Southern Levant region of Western Asia. against the IsraelisPeople from Israel, a country in the Middle East. Just over 70% of its population is Jewish, while 20% is Arab. .  

When King Charles was Prince of Wales, he was criticised for sending letters to politiciansSomeone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country. on subjects such as the Iraq WarA long conflict that ran in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. It began with a US invasion to topple ruler Saddam Hussein. .

But William's message was welcomed by Britain's chief rabbiA Jewish religious leader.. And another Daily Mail article said William's statement was agreed ahead of time by Britain's leaders.

Some went even further, saying that William's message could help the UK spread its voice on the war.

Should he keep out of politics?

Yes! It is key to the future of the Royal Family that its members do not speak out on politics and war. Britons will only accept a non-elected king if they do not make real decisions.

No! Prince William should be able to use his power to do what he thinks is right. He may want to prove to some that the monarchyThe king or queen and royal family. has a purposeA reason for doing something. .

<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more </h2>

Prince William - The son of King Charles III, and the next in line to the British throne.

Middle East - The lands around the east of the Mediterranean Sea and Arabia.

Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

7 October - On 7 October 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas, which controls Gaza, carried out a series of surprise attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

Palestinians - People from Palestine, an area located in the Southern Levant region of Western Asia.

Israelis - People from Israel, a country in the Middle East. Just over 70% of its population is Jewish, while 20% is Arab.

Politicians - Someone whose job it is to be involved in running a country. Politicians try to persuade people they have the best ideas to run the country.

Iraq War - A long conflict that ran in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. It began with a US invasion to topple ruler Saddam Hussein.

Rabbi - A Jewish religious leader.

Monarchy - The king or queen and royal family.

Purpose - A reason for doing something.