Prince Charles Cancels Srebrenica Visit Amid Coronavirus Crisis
The Prince of Wales has pulled the plug on his planned visit to Srebrenica next week due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.
He was set to meet survivors of the Bosnian genocide to mark the grim 25th anniversary of the massacre where 8,732 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered in what the UN called “the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.”
Royal Tour Postponed by UK Government
A royal spokesman confirmed: “Owing to the unfolding situation with the coronavirus pandemic, the British Government has asked their royal highnesses to postpone their Spring tour.”
The cancelled trip was part of a wider Spring tour that included stops in Cyprus and Jordan.
Memorials and Messages of Hope
During the visit, the Prince planned to lay a wreath at the Srebrenica Memorial Site in Potočari and meet Munira Subašić, President of the Mothers of Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves, who lost dozens of family members in the genocide.
“We were really looking forward to meeting the Prince of Wales as his visit means a lot to us and sends a powerful message to the world about what happened in the heart of Europe,” said Munira Subašić. “However, we understand why this decision has been made and look forward to meeting him very soon.”
Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, founder of Remembering Srebrenica UK, added: “We are extremely grateful to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales for considering this visit in this important 25th anniversary year and very much hope that His Royal Highness will be able to resume his visit once circumstances permit.”
Srebrenica Memorials Continue Across the UK
Despite the royal visit being scrapped, remembrance goes on.
- The UK’s National Srebrenica Memorial Day will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on 6th July, with 2,000 guests expected.
- Over 1,200 events are scheduled nationwide, taking place in town halls, schools, places of worship, police stations, and community centres.
- These events aim to honour victims, educate the public on the lessons of Srebrenica, and stand united against hate.
Remembering Srebrenica is working with the Foreign Office to arrange a new date for Prince Charles’s visit once it’s safe to do so.
