Today the Princess of Wales visited The Lexicon in Bracknell to speak to members of the VSI Razom Community Centre.
The future Queen has attended a number of events in support of the people of Ukraine and their struggle against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
The centre helps Ukrainian people in Bracknell through food donations, mental health therapy, and allows people of similar backgrounds a chance to get to know each other.
The princess was greeted by founder Nathalia Vil and her family, and had a go at packing donations boxes. The Princess joked “I’m not very good at this” referring to her boxing skills.
She also asked Mrs Vil’s son if it is “hard to find a community for your generation.”
The princess’s visit coincided with the one-year anniversary of the hub, founded by Natalia Vil, originally from Estonia but a UK resident for 25 years who is married to a Ukrainian, and Ashleigh Toomey from the UK.
She then spoke with a little girl, and asked her what her favourite song was. She told the girl “My favourite song is Shine Jesus Shine” and later stated that “I will look up the words to Shine Jesus Shine later in Ukrainian.”
The princess sat down at the arts and crafts table and spoke to the other women about their experiences. She said that “it’s the least we can do” referencing the Royal Family’s support for Ukraine.
The princess was asked if she would sign a poster they had made, but she said that she couldn’t. Instead, a young boy helped her hand print onto their tree mural.
A little girl showed her how to make a toy, to which she responded “I will have to have a go making these with my kiddies at home.”
She then sat down with the centre’s therapist and spoke about the hardships Ukrainian families are facing. She was given a gift by the family sat by her and asked them “How do you say thank you in Ukrainian.”
Everyone gathered around for photos as the princess was leaving.
Mrs Vil’s son asked if his mate, who was standing shyly in a corner, could get a picture with her. The princess pulled the boy's arm and said “C'mon!” And everyone laughed.
The princess was greeted by a huge crowd when she left. Ruth from Bracknell, who shook the Princess’ hand, said that she asked “Are you shopping today? I’ve never been to Bracknell but I do go shopping in Reading.”
As she was leaving the princess spoke to and hugged a local boy in a wheelchair. When she was leaving, the boy cheekily bowed to the crowd.
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