Prince William condemned the rise of anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom while visiting a London synagogue - his first public appearance since pulling out of an event for "personal reasons," AFP reports.
The heir to the throne visited London's West Marble Arch Synagogue, where he spent time with Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, 94.
He also spoke to young people, telling them that anti-Semitism "has no place in society, I have said it before and I will say it again".
"And listening to all of your experiences, both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise in anti-Semitism that you described so eloquently this morning, and I'm just very sorry that you've had to experience this, it has no place here and it shouldn't be happening," he added.
Recorded incidents of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hate speech have risen sharply in the UK since the 7 October Hamas attacks and Israel's subsequent military operation.
Last week, William sparked a row when he called for fighting in the war between Israel and Hamas to end "as soon as possible", breaking the royal family's unwritten rule not to comment on international conflicts.
The prince, whose wife Catherine is recovering from surgery and father King Charles III is being treated for cancer, pulled out of the commemorative service, citing a "personal matter".
William's Kensington Palace office declined to elaborate but said Catherine, Princess of Wales, continues to "do well with her recovery". / BGNES
