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Prince Charles has condemned Vladimir Putin's "attack on democracy" in the royal family's strongest comments yet about the invasion of Ukraine.
The future king denounced the "appalling suffering and devastation caused when the path of violence is chosen" during a speech in memory of a murdered U.K. politician, Sir David Amess.
He linked the attack on the Conservative lawmaker for Southend-on-Sea to the aggression shown by Russia during military action.
Charles praised Amess and said: "No-one could have given more for the values which underpin the society we share—values which appear all the more precious at this present time when we see, more starkly than for many years, the appalling suffering and devastation caused when the path of violence is chosen.
"What we saw in the terrible tragedy in Southend was an attack on democracy, on an open society, on freedom itself.
"We are seeing those same values under attack today in Ukraine in the most unconscionable way. In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression."
It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spoke out against Putin in a statement on February 24.
The notice on their Archewell website stated: "Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same."
Prince William and Kate Middleton also expressed solidarity with Ukraine in a statement posted on their official Twitter account on Saturday, February 26.
It read: "In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine's future. Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine's people as they bravely fight for that future [Ukraine] W & C."
Meghan and Harry were the first to speak out over the conflict on the day Russia invaded but were condemned by some in the U.K. media.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his gratitude for William and Kate's support using his official Twitter account.
He wrote: "Olena and I are grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge @RoyalFamily that at this crucial time, when Ukraine is courageously opposing Russia's invasion, they stand by our country and support our brave citizens. Good will triumph."
Amess was the member of Parliament for Southend from 1997 until October 15, 2021, when he was murdered during a meeting with members of the public in his constituency at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, in South East England.
He had campaigned for Southend to be given city status in life and after his death the request was granted. Charles spoke at a council meeting held to mark its new status.
Update 3/1/22, 9:40 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
About the writer
Jack Royston is Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent based in London, U.K. He reports on the British royal family—including King Charles ... Read more