Nigel Farage told Prince William to “stick to the BAFTAs” after he issued an impassioned statement on the Israel-Hamas war.
In a rare intervention, the Prince of Wales said he was “deeply concerned” about the “terrible human cost” of the conflict.
He called for the fighting to end “as soon as possible” and increased humanitarian support for Gaza.
But Mr Farage questioned whether the strongly-worded message by the heir to the throne was appropriate.
In a post on X, the former Ukip leader said: “I’m not sure that our future King should be doing this. He should stick to the BAFTAs.”
William, who is BAFTA’s president and attended last week’s awards ceremony, shared the statement ahead of carrying out visits to recognise the human suffering caused by conflict in the Middle East and the global rise in antisemitism.
He said: “I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Too many have been killed.
“I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible.
“There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. It’s critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released.
“Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home.
“Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found and I refuse to give up on that.”
The statement was issued in white writing on a black background, under William’s cypher, on the Waleses’ X account.
Kensington Palace said: “The prince and princess were profoundly concerned by events that unfolded in late 2023 and continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds.
“Their Royal Highnesses continue to share in the hope of a better future for all those affected.”
The October 7 attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas killed about 1,200 people, with around 250 taken hostage.
The war has killed at least 28,985 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
There are fresh fears about an escalation in the conflict if Israeli forces move into the overcrowded southern city of Rafah where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering.
