Prince William delivered a powerful message about the “appalling suffering” in regions such as Gaza and Ukraine as he unveiled the new Global Humanitarian Memorial in Gunnersbury Park, West London, on October 1.

The seven-metre steel monument, created by artist Michael Landy, honors aid workers who have risked or lost their lives while helping others.

Honoring Humanitarians Worldwide

The structure features 15 engraved figures that tell the stories of humanitarian workers and the people they served. It stands as a non-political public space dedicated to those who devote their lives to humanitarian service. The ceremony, attended by bereaved families and international aid agencies, came after what was reported as the deadliest year for aid workers, with over 380 killed and many more injured, detained, or kidnapped.

Prince William met with survivors of targeted attacks and representatives from organizations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Islamic Relief, and the Mines Advisory Group before addressing the audience.

“A Thread of Shared Humanity”

In his heartfelt speech, William said, “Around the world, far too many people continue to face unimaginable pain, suffering and loss—whether through natural disasters or man-made conflict and famine. We are witnesses to the appalling suffering of those who are victims of war and violence from Ukraine to Sudan, from Myanmar to Haiti, and indeed throughout much of the Middle East.”

He added that the efforts of humanitarian workers, “like those in Gaza, run like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments.”