The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed the Emir of Qatar and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at their London residence today, marking the beginning of a significant State Visit to the United Kingdom.
The royal couple accompanied Their Highnesses to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome, where the King formally greeted the Qatari leaders at the Royal Pavilion.
The ceremony featured full military honours, with presentations and a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour.
In a traditional display of diplomatic ceremony, the King and the Emir conducted an inspection of the Guard of Honour, formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, accompanied by the Regiment’s Band.
Following the ceremonial welcome, the Qatari royals were joined by the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace. A second Guard of Honour will greet them at the Palace, where the Band of the Irish Guards will perform both national anthems.
The visitors will then join The King for lunch, followed by a special exhibition viewing in the Picture Gallery featuring items from the Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain Foundation relating to Qatar.
In the afternoon, the Emir and Sheikha Jawaher will visit Westminster Abbey for a guided tour with the Dean of Westminster and the Chapter.
The Emir will then proceed to the Palace of Westminster, where he will be welcomed by Black Rod, the Lord Great Chamberlain, and both Speakers.
His Highness will address Parliamentarians in the Royal Robing Room before attending a reception with Members of both Houses.
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The day’s diplomatic engagements will conclude with a meeting with the Prince of Wales at Kensington Palace.
The Royal Families of the UK and Qatar pic.twitter.com/jDBXeMmW4K
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) December 3, 2024
The State Visit will culminate in a grand State Banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by the King and attended by members of the Royal Family.
The Emir and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani will be the guests of honour at this prestigious evening event. The banquet will begin with formal speeches delivered by both the King and the Emir, marking the diplomatic significance of the State Visit.
English