King Charles meets Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees in Aberdeen
His Majesty spent more than an hour in the Town House on Union Street
Last updated 17th Oct 2022
King Charles III returned to the north east of Scotland today to meet with refugees forced to leave their country due to conflict.
Around 1,000 Ukrainian refugees have settled in Aberdeen since the beginning of the war in February, and there's still capacity for more.
Approximately 170 Afghan refugees are currently staying across two hotels in the city, whilst around 30 Syrian families have settled in the region since 2016.
The event, at the Town House on Union Street, was held to "celebrate and acknowledge the warm welcome that those fleeing international conflict have received from the city".
The King spoke to those displaced and to representatives of local organisations that have helped families and individuals resettle in the city and elsewhere in the UK.
"We feel blessed"
Those sharing their story included Burhan Vesal, who worked as an interpreter with the British Army in Afghanistan, where his wife was a doctor.
He said: "I had heard great things about Aberdeen, its people and the community.
"We feel blessed to have found good support here.
"My son has made many friends in school and my family is very happy here."
Lord-Lieutenant Dr David Cameron, who accompanied the King during his visit, said: "We were greatly honoured to share with King Charles III how we as a city have responded to devastating world events.
"It was especially moving for the King to hear first-hand from some of those who have suffered directly as a result of conflict across the globe; those who have lost their homes and more.
"Thanks to the compassion and generosity of Aberdeen’s organisations and residents, we have been able to extend the steadying and loving hand of friendship in welcoming them to our city."
The council’s Resettlement Team was joined by representatives of third sector organisations, businesses and city hotels that have been providing a temporary home for arrivals.
Other partners involved in the humanitarian response include NHS Grampian, the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership and the University of Aberdeen.
His Majesty arrived on Union Street just before 12.40PM to cheers and waving from the hundreds that had gathered.
Before entering the Town House, King Charles spent around 10 minutes shaking hands and speaking to some of those that had turned out to meet him.
A choir made up of pupils from Dyce Primary and the Robert Gordon’s College closed the event with a rendition of “The Northern Lights” conducted by Professor Paul Mealor from the University of Aberdeen.