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The King has joined the Prince and Princess of Wales to greet the Emir of Qatar and his wife as they begin their state visit to the UK.
Kate and William were pictured smiling as they met Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at the Emir’s private residence on Tuesday.
The royal party then made their way to Horse Guards Parade by car for the traditional ceremonial welcome where they were met by Charles, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other senior government figures.
The greeting marks Kate’s first appearance at a state visit since her cancer diagnosis and signals her growing readiness to return to frontline duties next year.
But missing was Queen Camilla who, on Monday evening, pulled out of the official open-air greeting due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
It comes as Kate 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.”
In pictures: Kate lets family heirlooms shine against dark palette of ensemble
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 13:17
King arrives with Emir at Palace in Irish State Coach to sound of Qatari and British national anthems
The King arrived at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace in the Irish State Coach with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani to the sound of the Qatar and British national anthems.
Waiting inside in the warm in the Grand Hall was the Queen. In the second carriage, the Australian State Coach, were the Prince and Princess of Wales with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Sheikh Mohammed stepped from the carriage first, followed by William, with both turning to wait for Kate. The princess stepped carefully from the state coach in her knee-high high heeled boots.
The Waleses walked side by side chatting to one another, with Kate carrying a small matching burgundy handbag and a pair of gloves, as they made their way up the red carpeted steps of the Grand Entrance.
Former economist Sheikh Mohammed is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Qatari royal family. He has been prime minister since 2023 and is distantly related to the Emir.
In the palace quadrangle in formation was a Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in their grey greatcoats and bearskin hats with the Band of the Irish Guards. A dismounted Detachment of Household Cavalry stood either side of the Grand Entrance.
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 13:14
Camilla expected to be at Palace to bid formal farewell to Emir
Camilla is expected to be at Buckingham Palace when the Emir of Qatar formally bids the King and her farewell.
The Emir will visit Sandhurst on Wednesday, the final day of the two-day visit, before travelling to the Palace.
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 13:00
Pictured: King greets Emir of Qatar
Athena Stavrou3 December 2024 12:47
Emir of Qatar welcomed by King
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Horse Guards Parade with the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher
The royal women travelled in one chauffeur driven limousine while men travelled in another and the waiting King warmly greeted his guests on a dais.
Athena Stavrou3 December 2024 12:36
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Charles will welcome the leader and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during an extravagant ceremony staged in Whitehall.
Queen Camilla will be absent; On Monday, she pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to the palace due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will take part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer.
Athena Stavrou3 December 2024 12:31
Starmer, Lammy and Cooper arrive for Ceremonial Welcome
Athena Stavrou3 December 2024 12:17
Kate and William greet Emir of Qatar
The Prince and Princess of Wales have greeted the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at the Emir’s private residence on behalf of the King.
It was Kate’s first appearance at a state visit since her cancer diagnosis.
She was pictured smiling in a fitted burgundy coat and hat alongside William and the VIP guests inside the residence in London.
Kate, wearing a pearl necklace and with her hair in a low chignon, was seen in conversation with Sheikha Jawaher.
The royal party will make their way to Horse Guards Parade by car for the traditional ceremonial welcome where they will be met by the King, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other senior government figures.
Athena Stavrou3 December 2024 12:08
In pictures: Prince and Princess of Wales greet Emir of Qatar and his wife
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 11:57
