The Queen gives secret support to Ukraine plight as Royal family steps up

Queen Elizabeth II has broken tradition in a behind-the-scenes move to help Ukraine as they hold on against Russia’s invading army.

Queen Elizabeth II returns from Covid with a virtual audience to receive the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago. Picture: Getty Images.

The Queen has quietly supported the people of Ukraine in a remarkable break from the Royal family’s longstanding tradition of remaining politically silent.

The 95-year-old monarch emerged from her Covid recovery to make a private yet “generous” donation to battle Ukraine’s looming humanitarian crisis.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), representing the British Red Cross and 14 other groups, thanked the Queen and other Royal family members “for making a generous donation” to its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Queen Elizabeth II returns from Covid with a virtual audience to receive the High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago. Picture: Getty Images.

The Queen, along with Prince Charles, Prince William, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwell, have all made donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s appeal.

“Many thanks to Her Majesty The Queen for continuing to support the Disaster Emergency Committee and for making a generous donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal,” they said in a tweet.

Many thanks to Her Majesty The Queen for continuing to support the Disasters Emergency Committee and for making a generous donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. @RoyalFamily#UkraineAppeal

— DEC (@decappeal) March 3, 2022

The appeal is to raise funds to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion, both within the country and in neighbouring countries where refugees are arriving in huge numbers.

Kate Middleton and Prince William voiced support for the people of Ukraine, and Meghan and Harry released a statement. But the Queen herself has been the staunchest adherent to the royal family’s tradition of staying silent on politics.

“This is unusual for the royal family as they typically stay out of politics and don’t provide monetary support,” a palace source told Entertainment Tonight.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit to Abergavenny Market in Wales. Picture: MATRIXPICTURES.CO.UK.

William and Kate released a statement in support of Ukrainians “bravely” fighting for their future after the prince met with British intelligence agency MI6, according to The Daily Mail.

On Tuesday, Prince Charles said the war was an attack on “democracy, on open society, on freedom itself”.

Camilla, meanwhile, told Ukraine’s ambassador “we are praying for you” after she met with British-based Ukrainians to talk about the humanitarian crisis.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, light candles at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, next to bishop Kenneth Nowakowski. Picture: Getty Images.

Originally published as The Queen gives secret support to Ukraine plight as Royal family steps up