King hears updates on humanitarian crises in Pakistan and Ukraine

The King has held a meeting with Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) charities to discuss humanitarian crises around the world.

Charles joined chief executives and aid workers at Buckingham Palace as they spoke about the Pakistan Floods Appeal, which has topped £38 million, the drought in East Africa and the situation in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

The King was also updated on the hunger crisis in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia due to ongoing severe drought, described as the worst in living memory.

The group discussed the life-changing impact of money given by the public to DEC appeals and how climate change is affecting the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Saleh Saeed, the DEC’s chief executive, said: “We’ve seen and heard so many times now how the climate crisis is causing or exacerbating humanitarian crises.

“The rains fail, or come too heavily, or at different and unusual times. For many people and communities already on the edge of disaster they simply find themselves pushed over the brink.

“As we all grapple with the impact of climate change we warmly welcome His Majesty The King’s interest and support in our work in responding to the needs of those most affected and who are often those who have done the least to cause it.”