Prince Charles, Ukrainian refugees and our staff

Just a few weeks before the Queen’s Jubilee, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has visited Ukrainian refugees – and met World Vision staff who are helping them – in Romania. 

Prince Charles visited a refugee shelter in Bucharest, heard first-hand stories from those affected, and discovered what agencies like World Vision are doing to support families fleeing war.   

Over 12 million refugees have fled the on-going crisis in Ukraine. From the start, World Vision staff have supported refugees in neighbouring Romania. Aid workers, local groups and volunteers are continuing to work to meet the needs of displaced families.  

A group of those dedicated individuals received a warm acknowledgement from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales when he visited Bucharest’s RomExpo – a huge conference centre turned into a one-stop-shop for refugees.  

Multiple agencies, including World Vision, are working at RomExpo to help meet a range of needs for displaced families. World Vision has helped provide food, clothes, baby supplies and internet access for the hundreds of refugees visiting the centre each day. World Vision staff also run a safe child play area, with weekly entertainment. 

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"A surprise"

Staff say the fact that Prince Charles took the time to travel to Romania was really encouraging for aid workers, local groups and volunteers at the shelter, who felt valued for their contributions to improving the lives of refugees.  

"It was a pleasure and a surprise to meet Prince Charles in Romania today," said Sian Platt, World Vision programme officer in Romania. "It was great to see how he took time to hear about and appreciate the work of the volunteers and municipality staff, who World Vision has been partnering with since the beginning of the conflict to help thousands of Ukrainian refugees in Romania." 

World Vision’s assistance at RomExpo is just one part of the organisation’s massive multi-country response that supports displaced families in Romania, Moldova, Georgia and in Ukraine.   

World Vision has helped over 130,000 displaced Ukrainians

“So far, World Vision’s multi-country response has helped more than 130,000 displaced Ukrainian people, providing safe shelter, nutrition, child protection services, psychological support, and cash to people during this difficult time,” said World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response Director, Hans Bederski.  

“As the conflict continues to rage, millions of people are still being displaced from their homes, excluded from their schools, and even separated from their families, as they seek safety and security in neighbouring countries. Now, as the emergency response transitions into medium to long-term programmes, World Vision is glad to show the important work we are doing with partner organisations, local groups, and generous volunteers to continue supporting people and children of Ukraine for as long as we can.” 

LEARN MORE: Eyewitness accounts from Ukraine