Prince Charles praises 'brave individuals' who are 'standing up for freedom' in heartfelt New Year message

Prince Charles has written a powerful New Year message to those fighting for freedom in war torn countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar. His human rights message said we should take a moment to 'remember the many people around the world who are standing up for freedom'. 

• The Duke of Cambridge is a patron of the Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee
• He accompanied his message with a picture of him visiting a refugee centre in Jordan, just November
• In more royal news, Kate Middleton will have a 'low key' 40th birthday celebration

The New Year's Instagram post, which the Duke posted yesterday, and has since amassed thousands of likes started with, "As we start a New Year, we might take a moment to remember the many people around the world who are standing up for freedom and human rights."

The message was accompanied by a picture of him visiting an International Rescue Committee centre, an organisation that works with communities displaced by war and conflict, in Jordan at the end of last year.

Prince Charles' message of hope went on to say, "In places such as Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar, among others, the threats and reality of political and religious persecution and insecurity are coupled with an increasingly dire humanitarian situation.

He went on to pay tribute to those who faced these situations last year, "In the face of such adversity, incredibly brave individuals, local communities and international organizations are responding to great needs by providing vital assistance."

While the Prince Of Wales, who spent four days on a royal tour of the Middle East with Camilla in November, also had a wish for 2022, "I pray for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts and that we might all be blessed with the courage to support those in need, wherever they may be."

Prince Charles has been a patron of the British Red Cross since 2003 and a patron of the International Rescue Committee since January 2020. 

Founded in 1933 the International Rescue Committee is at work in over 40 countries to help people to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

Charles and Camilla, like Kate and William, had a quiet festive period—and were said to have spent Christmas day with the Queen, after she cancelled a big Christmas celebration at Sandringham.