Prince Charles condemns Russia's 'brutal' invasion of Ukraine in rare political statement

Prince Charles has spoken out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a rare political statement, describing President Putin's attacks on the country as 'brutal aggression'. 

• Prince Charles has spoken out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a rare political statement, calling the attack on the Eastern European nation 'brutal aggression'. 
• The Prince of Wales made the strong comments today as he awarded city status to Southend-on-Sea in commemoration of the late MP David Amess.
• In other royal news, the Queen is 'feeling well enough' as she hosts two virtual audiences from Windsor Castle.
  

The Prince of Wales has become the first member of the Royal Family to explicitly condemn President Putin's 'military operation' in Ukraine. 

The 73-year-old shared his support for the Eastern European country, which was attacked by Russia on Thursday 24 February, during a visit to Southend-on-Sea this morning. Speaking to its town council, Prince Charles warned that the 'values' of democracy are 'under attack today in Ukraine, in the most unconscionable way.' 

"In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression," he added. His bold statements come shortly after Prince William and Kate Middleton revealed that they 'stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.' 

Charles travelled to Southend-on-Sea, where MP Sir David Amess was murdered last year, to grant the Essex resort town 'city status' in commemoration of the late politician. He was accompanied by the future Queen Consort, Duchess Camilla, for the historic engagement. 

Conservative MP David Amess had campaigned tirelessly for Southend-on-Sea to receive city status during his tenure, repeatedly citing its airport and marine as two of the main reasons it deserved the urban title. He was tragically stabbed to death at the age of 69 on 15 October, 2021, by 25-year-old British citizen, Ali Harbi Ali. 

The loyal monarchist's wishes have now been posthumously honored, with Charles presenting documents from the Queen that establish Southend as the 52nd city of England. 

The Prince of Wales spoke fondly of Amess during the council meeting, revealing that he "knew him of course as a renowned and respected parliamentarian and effective campaigner on many national and local issues.

"Among them was his passionate determination to secure city status for Southend, he added. "Today we mark the culmination of that dedicated campaign."