In a stunning break from protocol, Prince Charles – a senior member of the royal family, which traditionally remains neutral on such matters – has made a rare statement concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an attack on freedom and democracy,” said Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son and heir.

Prince Charles spoke out as he visited Southend-on-Sea, where in October last year local MP David Amess was stabbed to death as he met constituents at a weekly public meeting.

He described Amess' death as "an attack on democracy … on open society, on freedom itself".

"We are seeing those same values under attack today in Ukraine in the most unconscionable way," he said in a speech to mark Southend officially gaining city status.

"In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression."

Last weekend, Charles' eldest son Prince William and his wife Catherine sent a personal message of support to the people of Ukraine.

In a tweet, they recalled meeting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife in October 2020, and hearing of their "hope and optimism" for the country.

"Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine's people as they bravely fight for that future," they added.

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Prince Harry and Meghan sent their own message from the United States last week.

"We stand with the people of Ukraine," they wrote on the website of their charitable organisation Archewell, calling Russia's invasion a "breach of international and humanitarian law". 

Image: Getty