The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday to begin a two-day visit focused on humanitarian health response, mental health, and support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement, according to their office.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip is undertaken in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and organizations including World Central Kitchen and Questscope. They will join Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, to “focus on humanitarian health response, mental health, and support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.” The visit is primarily intended as a listening and learning exercise, with the aim of amplifying effective humanitarian responses in the region.
The Sussexes’ visit comes at a time of intensifying health and food insecurity impacts in Gaza, with concerns that international attention may be waning. They are also focused on the long-term consequences of conflict on civilians, including trauma recovery and mental health needs.
Upon arrival, the couple participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the WHO, bringing together representatives from the United Nations, its agencies, diplomatic missions, and donor organizations. Over the next two days, they are scheduled to meet with Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, as well as engage with WHO teams working on the ground.
The visit will include a focus on frontline health and mental health programs, and a meeting with staff from World Central Kitchen who are coordinating food relief efforts for Gaza from Amman.
Philip Hall, the British Ambassador to Jordan, expressed appreciation for the Sussexes’ visit, stating that their support for the efforts of the United Nations, the WHO, and the Jordanian government is “enormously appreciated.”
The royal family was informed in advance of the trip. This marks the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first international tour together since August 2024. The visit occurs following the recent arrest of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Prince Harry and Dr. Ghebreyesus previously carried out a joint engagement in London in September, visiting Imperial College London’s Centre for Blast Injury Studies. At that time, they announced a donation to organizations supporting injured children from Gaza and Ukraine, including the WHO. Harry stated at the time, “No single organization can solve this alone.”
