Prince Charles makes historic visit to Israel

Prince Charles has made a historic visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Prince of Wales becomes the most senior member of the British Royal Family to make the trip in an official capacity, on behalf of the British Government, since the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The Queen has never been.

Until now, Prince William had been the first and only British royal to make an official visit, taking part in a brief royal tour of the region in June 2018.

However, Prince Charles has been there on previous occasions for the funerals of politicians Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres but these were classified as "private visits" by the Palace, according to ITV News royal correspondent Chris Ship.

Clarence House shared a photo of The Prince of Wales sharing a laugh as he shook hands with Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, during a meeting at his official residence in Jerusalem.

Prince Charles then went on to meet with Holocaust survivors at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

At the Israel Museum, the 71-year-old heard from Holocaust survivor Marta Weiss, who was just a 10-year-old when she made her escape from Auschwitz.

The now 85-year-old spoke of her memories around the horror experience.

Meanwhile, survivor George Shefi told the royal he was sent to England with the Kindertransport.

Charles was then given a tour of the Israel museum by museum curator Dr. Rachel Sarfati and Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis.

The royal heard about the Shrine of the Book exhibition and had a chance to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, the world's oldest biblical manuscripts.

Later in the day, The Prince of Wales will give a speech at Yad Vashem, a World centre for Holocaust research, documentation, education and commemoration).

Prince Charles will be one of only five world leaders speaking at the commemorations but he isn't the only royal to attend.

Spain's King Felipe VI also in the country for the anniversary.