The Princess of Wales is set to assist in launching the emir of Qatar's trip to Britain on Tuesday, as the U.K. government strategically engages one of the most beloved royals to ensure the success of a state visit by the leader of a key ally. This comes at a time when the princess is recuperating from cancer treatment.
Prince William's wife, known as Kate, will make a limited number of appearances during this period, highlighting the significance of the gas-rich gulf state, which has substantial investments in Britain and has played a pivotal role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
William and Kate will welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in the morning, followed by a formal welcome by King Charles III at Horse Guards Parade in central London. The two-day visit will include visits to Westminster Abbey, a banquet at Buckingham Palace, and a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Queen Camilla, who has been unwell with a chest infection, will not attend the outdoor event but plans to participate in a lunch at the palace and the evening banquet.
Qatar, despite its small size comparable to Connecticut, boasts the world's third-largest natural gas reserves and is a significant investor in the U.K. The Qatari Investment Authority owns Harrod's and holds substantial stakes in British companies like Barclays Bank and Sainsbury's. Additionally, Qatar has made substantial investments in London real estate, including the Shard, the tallest building in western Europe.
However, the grandeur of the state visit has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who point out issues of discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ individuals in Qatar, as well as the unresolved grievances of migrant workers involved in the 2022 soccer World Cup preparations.
The royal family has faced challenges this year, with the king and Kate both undergoing cancer treatment. While the king resumed duties in April, Kate's return has been gradual, with limited public appearances at significant events.
The government's decision to involve Kate and William in the state visit may stem from their shared background with the emir, all being in their early 40s and educated at prestigious British schools. Both the emir and William are graduates of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, with military service experience.
The visit will include a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, a lunch, visits to Westminster Abbey and Parliament, and a state banquet. The emir will also visit Sandhurst and meet with RAF personnel providing training for Qatari air force pilots before meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
