Prince Harry, younger son of King Charles III, made an unannounced visit to Ukraine last week, stirring controversy after receiving a Russian-style Easter kulich as a gift. The gesture, meant as a warm welcome, has ignited backlash among Ukrainian nationalists.
During his trip to Lviv, the Duke of Sussex visited a military hospital treating soldiers wounded in ongoing conflicts. Though kept under wraps, news of his visit surfaced after he left the country.
In a gesture of hospitality, locals presented Harry with a kulich, a traditional Easter bread. However, the gift sparked outrage when reports, including from Daily Mail, revealed it resembled a Russian kulich—complete with white icing—rather than the Ukrainian version, which typically features a woven top and cross.
Nationalists expressed frustration viewing the mix-up as cultural misstep amid heightened sensitivities. The incident underscores challenges of symbolic gestures in regions marked by historical tensions.
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Harry’s visit aimed to highlight support for Ukraine’s resilience. Yet kulich controversy has shifted focus, drawing attention to cultural nuances often overlooked in diplomatic exchanges.
