AMMAN, Jordan — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in the Jordanian capital Wednesday to meet with Palestinian children evacuated from the Gaza Strip and Syrian refugees as part of a high-profile humanitarian mission.

Why it matters: The visit highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, focusing on the medical and mental health needs of children displaced by over two years of war between Israel and Hamas, as well as those fleeing the decade-long conflict in Syria.

The big picture: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, invited to the kingdom by the World Health Organization (WHO), visited the Specialty Hospital in Amman to spend time with young Gazans receiving treatment for conflict-related injuries.

• Philanthropic ties: The couple’s nonprofit, Archewell Philanthropies, has actively supported WHO efforts to facilitate the medical evacuation of children from Gaza to Jordan.
• Mental health focus: Prince Harry stated via the WHO that the couple remains committed to “expanding access to mental health support for all those affected by conflict and crisis.”

Zoom in: Earlier in the trip, the couple visited the Zaatari refugee camp north of Amman, which currently houses approximately 45,000 people.

• Engagement: According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the couple joined young Syrian refugees in music, art, and football activities.
• Context: While Jordan has registered 680,000 Syrians since 2011, the kingdom estimates the total number welcomed at 1.3 million, though 200,000 returned home following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.

What’s next: The two-day itinerary continues Thursday with a visit to the Amman office of World Central Kitchen (WCK).

• Long-term partners: WCK, which coordinates food and humanitarian aid for Gaza, was the first philanthropic partner for the couple’s Archewell foundation.
• Core mission: Their office noted the visit is designed to prioritize the “humanitarian health response” and support for vulnerable communities impacted by displacement.

Between the lines: This international appearance follows the couple’s 2020 move to California after stepping back from senior royal duties, a transition sparked by tensions with the royal family and the British press.