LONDON, Dec 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The diplomatic red carpet was rolled out for a state visit from the Emir of Qatar, with the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales leading a royal welcome.
The visiting Qatari royals were given a parade along the Mall, with Catherine part of the carriage procession, marking another stage in her return to official duties.
In the winter sunshine, tourists held up their phones to take photos as the UK and Qatari royals went along the Mall to Buckingham Palace, with flags of both countries hung along the route.
Queen Camilla missed the outdoor parts of the welcoming ceremony, as she’s still suffering from the after effects of a chest infection, but she is taking part in events in Buckingham Palace, including the state banquet.
Palace sources say she has recovered well, but the “episodic” fatigue has meant the Queen has had to pull out of a number of engagements over recent weeks.
The visit to the UK by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani began on Monday in damp weather at Stansted airport.
But over the next two days, there will be a carefully choreographed effort by the UK government to build warm relations with Qatar, from the pageantry of marching bands to a Downing Street meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The UK Foreign Office, which advises on which countries are invited for a state visit, says Qatar is a key defence partner and that trade between the UK and the gas-rich Gulf state is worth £6.6bn per year, with £40bn of Qatari investment in the UK economy.
Qatar has been a mediator in talks over the conflict in Gaza, though the role was suspended last month.
And the country’s Emir has been a regular visitor to the UK, coming here at least eight times in the past decade. He studied at school in the UK and attended Sandhurst military academy.
Qatar has been seen as an important bridge between the West and the Middle East, hosting events such as the 2022 World Cup.
There are close military ties. The UK and Qatar have a joint RAF Typhoon squadron based at RAF Coningsby – the first joint RAF squadron since World War II, says the Foreign Office.
The Qatari royals received a ceremonial reception and military inspection on Horse Guards Parade, followed by a carriage parade to Buckingham Palace and a gun salute in Green Park.
The Qatari visitors will be brought later to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, where the Emir will speak to representatives of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The centrepiece of such state visits is the state banquet, where the King and Emir will give speeches in front of dignitaries from both countries, in the grand setting of the Buckingham Palace ballroom.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our strong, historic ties with Qatar are vital to UK prosperity, growth and security. The UK government is committed to continued strong relations with Qatar to deliver partnerships of mutual value.” — NNN-AGENCIES
