Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani enjoyed a grand welcome during his state visit to Britain on Tuesday, marked by a royal carriage procession and an elegant state banquet.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the emir and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al-Thani, as part of the two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and Gulf states.
The 44-year-old Qatari leader is also scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss a potential free trade deal with Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This agreement, if finalized, is expected to boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion, opening new markets for British businesses.
The Qatari royal couple arrived in London on Monday and were welcomed at Kensington Palace by Prince William and Princess Catherine. Their visit officially began with a ceremonial reception at Horse Guards Parade, where they met King Charles.
Queen Camilla, recovering from a chest infection, joined the proceedings later at Buckingham Palace, where the day’s events included a state banquet. Notable guests at the dinner included David and Victoria Beckham, with a menu featuring Windsor pheasant, Cornish lobsters, and Balmoral plum sorbet.
On Wednesday, the emir is set to visit Sandhurst, his alma mater, before bidding farewell to the King and Queen. His agenda also includes a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Starmer and a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of London.
Trade relations between the UK and Gulf states are a key focus of the visit. Qatar alone accounted for $6.8 billion in trade with the UK by the first quarter of this year. Discussions are also expected to touch on Middle East peace efforts, given Qatar’s significant role in mediating conflicts.
The visit has not been without controversy. Human rights activists have announced peaceful protests to spotlight Qatar’s treatment of women, LGBTQ individuals, and migrant workers. Qatar has often faced international criticism for its stance on these issues.
Despite the debates, the state visit underscores the deep historical and economic ties between Britain and Qatar, with hopes of further collaboration in the future.
