The Princess of Wales has marked a significant milestone in her royal duties as she joins Prince William to welcome the Amir of Qatar and his wife for their state visit to the UK. This marks her first major royal event since completing cancer treatment, and we'll be bringing you the latest updates, pictures, and videos on this breaking news story.
Today, the Princess and Prince William are hosting the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, for a two-day state visit to the UK, which is being hosted by King Charles. The official welcome took place in Whitehall, with a ceremony full of pomp and pageantry. Catherine, looking elegant as ever, wore a fitted burgundy coat and matching hat, accessorized with a pearl necklace. Her hair was styled in a chic updo as she was seen engaging in conversation with Sheikha Jawaher.
This event is a major moment for the Princess, as it marks her first appearance at a state visit since her cancer diagnosis. Her last official role in this capacity was during the state visit of the South Korean president last November. Last week, it was confirmed that Catherine would be joining Prince William in welcoming the guests at their residence before accompanying them to an official ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.
Additionally, Kate will join King Charles and the other guests at a special lunch and then participate in a carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace. After lunch, visiting heads of state typically view a small exhibition showcasing items related to their countries’ relationship with the UK. The Princess will join the Amir and his wife in the palace’s Picture Gallery for this event. However, she will not attend the grand state banquet hosted by the King in the palace ballroom later that evening.
Queen Camilla, unfortunately, will not be present for the outdoor greeting at Horse Guards Parade due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection. She is, however, expected to join the group later in the Picture Gallery after lunch, where she will view the Qatari artifacts with her husband. Queen Camilla’s medical team has advised her to take things one day at a time, though no other changes to her schedule are expected.
Princess Catherine, meanwhile, is reportedly feeling optimistic about her recovery as she gradually returns to royal duties after a challenging year. She had to step back from many engagements this year due to her cancer diagnosis and subsequent abdominal surgery in January. Despite the challenges, a royal source said that Catherine finds her work to be a great source of strength, and she has worked hard to maintain a sense of normality for her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Though Catherine won’t attend the state banquet, she will soon be back in the public eye at the Together at Christmas Carol service on Friday. This will be one of her first major events since her health battle this year, and she is looking forward to representing the royal family during the state visit and beyond. According to royal insiders, the Princess is feeling positive and focused on her recovery as the year progresses.
The Amir of Qatar’s visit will conclude on Wednesday, the final day of the two-day visit, with a visit to Sandhurst and a formal farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace. Sheikh Tamim will also meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street for bilateral talks. Qatar, one of the richest Gulf states, has played a key role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict and is reportedly negotiating a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. However, Qatar has faced criticism over its human rights record, including the treatment of migrant workers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, its criminalization of same-sex relationships, and its policies regarding women’s rights.
