Prince William and Kate Middleton.Photo: Alamy Stock Photo

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare continuing to support the people of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of the country.

Ahead of their visit, they shared a special birthday wish forQueen Elizabethon their social media accounts. The monarch is spending her 96th birthday privately at her Sandringham estate.

“Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 96th birthday today! An inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world, it’s particularly special to be celebrating in this#PlatinumJubileeyear,” the wrote alongside two photos of the monarch, including a family photo of the Queen andPrince Philipwith their great-grandchildren.

During their visit on Thursday, the couple, who wore pins showcasing the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, spoke via video link with aid workers on the ground in Ukraine helping with relief efforts.

DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighboring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. Kate, 40, andPrince William, 39, met with recently returned aid workers and, via a video call, with those on the ground in Ukraine to learn more about their work and the human impact of the conflict.

It was announced on Thursday that the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal had raised almost $400 million.

Kate Middleton and Prince William.Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Hannah Richards, Director of Communications at DEC talk to aid workers on the ground via video call during visit the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

In March, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made asurprise visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Londonto hear about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the U.K. and across Europe. They met with members of the Ukrainian community and volunteers to learn about services being offered at the center as well as the challenges they continue to face.

They also brought homemade chocolate brownies and granola bars from Kensington Palace for the volunteers.

Prince William and Kate Middleton.Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak to Saleh Saeed (L), CEO of DEC, and Hannah Richards (R), Director of Communications at DEC, during a visit the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge previously offeredwords of support for Ukrainein a statement shared on their joint@KensingtonRoyalTwitter account.

“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future,” the statement from the couple said. “Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future.”

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Olena Zelenskyy and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and First Lady Olena Zelenska

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyythanked Britain’s royal familyfor voicing their support for the country on March 1.

“Good will triumph,” he added.

source: people.com