Emir of Qatar lands in UK, Kate Middleton to undertake more royal duties during state visit
- 17 hours ago
Princess of Wales will help kick off the Emir of Qatar's trip to Britain on Tuesday as the UK government enlists one of the most popular royals to ensure the success of a state visit by the leader of a key ally, even as the princess recovers from cancer treatment.
The event will be just one of a handful of appearances that Prince William's wife, better known as Kate, has made since she was diagnosed with cancer in March, underscoring the importance of the Gulf nation that invests billions in Britain and has played a central role in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
William and Kate are to greet Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher Bint Hamad Bin Suhaim Al Thani in the morning. The couples then travel to Horse Guards Parade in central London, where King Charles III will formally welcome the Emir and Sheikha Jawaher to Britain at the start of a two-day visit that will include a trip to Westminster Abbey, a banquet at Buckingham Palace and a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Queen Camilla, who has been suffering from a lingering chest infection, pulled out of the formal outdoors event on medical advice. She plans to take part in a lunch at the palace and attend the evening banquet.
Though smaller than the US state of Connecticut, Qatar has the world's third-largest reserves of natural gas and is a key investor in the UK.
The Qatari Investment Authority owns the luxury retailer Harrod's and holds large stakes in British companies such as Barclays Bank and the supermarket chain Sainsbury's. It has also invested heavily in London real estate, including the Shard, western Europe's tallest building.
The visit comes as the princess is set to deliver a heartful Christmas message about the importance of love at her upcoming annual carol service.
Kate has written a letter, featured with the order of service for the event on Friday, telling the 1,600 Westminster Abbey carol goers: “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”
Agencies
