The Prince of Wales was in high spirits today as he visited the London Ambulance Service's headquarters to mark its 60th anniversary, amid growing calls for him to speak out about Israeli supporters being banned from an Aston Villa match.
Prince William met paramedics and listened to their experiences working for the UK's largest ambulance service. Observers noted he wore a claret shirt and blue tie, possibly nodding to his beloved Aston Villa's colours, as political tensions over the ban intensified.
Police banned supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from their Europa League match with Aston Villa on November 6, citing public safety fears. William, a famous Villa fan and FA patron, has been urged to comment but has not yet done so. He is not expected to attend the match due to his Earthshot Prize commitments in Brazil.
During his visit, William praised first responders for speaking out against assaults. Paramedic Charlotte Miller, who was sexually assaulted on a call-out, told him her story. William commended her bravery, saying: 'Well done you for speaking out.' The LAS reported an 11% rise in assaults on first responders over the past year.
The Prince, a former air ambulance and RAF search and rescue pilot, has long campaigned for better mental health support for first responders. He was hosted by Pauline Cranmer, the UK's first female chief paramedic, who was appointed last May.
