The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a meaningful two-day humanitarian visit to Jordan, where they engaged with displaced Syrian and Palestinian communities. Their journey took them north of the capital, Amman, to the extensive Za'atari Refugee Camp, a settlement housing tens of thousands of refugees in semi-permanent homes with limited amenities.
Football Fun and Friendly Competition
During their tour, the royal couple visited a youth centre operated by the social development organisation Questscope. This centre offers a variety of activities, including art, photography, music, and sports, designed to engage young people and support their mental wellbeing. It was here that a lighthearted football session unfolded, capturing a memorable moment of camaraderie.
Meghan Markle demonstrated her sporting enthusiasm by participating in football drills, practicing passes before moving to a penalty shootout. In a playful showdown, the Duchess successfully scored with a right-footed strike, while Prince Harry's attempt was saved by a young girl in goal. Meghan celebrated her victory with a triumphant gesture, throwing her hands in the air, showcasing the joyful spirit of the occasion.
Connecting with Young Refugees
The Sussexes interacted closely with the children, with Meghan crouching down to speak through an interpreter to a seven-year-old girl. Although the child shyly walked away when asked if she knew Meghan, the Duchess praised her confidence, remarking, "So sweet, so confident – that's what you're instilling." This highlighted the positive environment fostered by Questscope's programs.
In addition to sports, the couple observed cultural activities, watching teenage girls play traditional Arabic instruments and musicians perform with violins and guitars. Through interpreters, they learned about the children's experiences, such as 15-year-old Siham, a Syrian refugee who arrived in Jordan at age two. Siham impressed Harry and Meghan by responding in fluent English about making friends through music lessons and revealing her black belt in taekwondo.
Humanitarian Context and Refugee Support
Jordan has a long history of welcoming refugees, beginning with Palestinians over eight decades ago, who now number approximately 2.5 million. More recently, Syrians fleeing conflict under President Bashar al-Assad have sought sanctuary, with additional waves arriving following the Israeli government's Gaza war against Hamas, which was triggered by Hamas atrocities against Israeli civilians on October 7.
The Sussexes' visit aimed to learn more about the humanitarian efforts led by Jordanian authorities and various agencies. By engaging directly with refugees and participating in activities, they highlighted the importance of support for health, wellbeing, and community integration in such challenging environments.
