Prince William’s visit comes during a period of increased tension in the region. He paid his respects at the tomb of his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, at the Mount of Olives. She saved Greek Jews in the 1940s German occupation. He attended events focusing on issues facing refugee communities and providing opportunities to celebrate Palestinian culture, music and food. He met Israel’s prime minister, seen as hugely significant for UK-Israel relations. Until now it had been British policy not to make an official royal visit until the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was resolved. British officials gave no detailed explanation for the policy change, other than ‘the time was right for the visit’. William shone a spotlight on the young generation of Israelis and Palestinians and their hopes for the future and briefly joined in for some football with Palestinian children. William said he was ‘struck by how many people in the region want a just and lasting peace.’