Before the end of what has been a very difficult year for the cancer-stricken British royal family of King Charles III and Kate Middleton, the UK is planning a major state visit. The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hanad Al Thani and his first wife Sheikha Jawaher Al Thani have been in London since Monday to take part in this first level diplomatic visit.
Kate Middleton took part in a tour of this nature for the first time since it was known that she had cancer and although she was not present at all the activities, she was in charge with her husband Prince William. , received by the king at his residence. After the first contact, the Prince of Wales and Emir of Qatar and his wife went on Horse Guards Parade in the heart of the nation’s capital, where they were entertained with a traditional welcome ceremony.
For this important event where pomp and ceremony are part of the heroes, Kate Middleton chose one total appearance In burgundy, the national flag of Qatar catches the eye. Her style consisted of high boots, a straight coat with an original neckline on the lapels, and a headdress. High boots, gloves and matching handbag. Shekha wears a long tape coat and a red dress.
King Charles met the Amir and Shekhar at the Royal Pavilion during the Horse Guards Parade, in a magnificent display of pomace and pageantry. The Honorable Artillery Company fired a royal salute of 41 guns at the Tower of London. At the end of the presentation, the honor guard gave the royal salute and the national anthem of Qatar was played. Next, the Emir and the Emperor reviewed a guard of honor consisting of the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards accompanied by a regimental band.
Later, the royal party took part in a carriage parade along The Mall until they reached Buckingham Palace. British monarchs, emirs and sheikhs traveled on the first float, of the Irish kingdom. In the second, the Australian state, Prince of Wales and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman B Jassim Al Thani, was Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the rest of the quasi-state Landausse, various Qatari ministers, as well as Viscount Hood, Lord in Waiting; The Right Honorable Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to the Kings, or the British Ambassador in Doha. A second guard of honor was already seen at the royal residence, consisting of the first battalion of the Welsh Guards along with a band of Irish Guards. Once the floats reach the palace, the Welsh Guard Band will play each national anthem
Lunch at the Palace with Queen Camilla
A lunch was served inside the palace, attended by Queen Camilla, after which, the hosts and their guests will be able to enjoy a special exhibition in the picture gallery of items from the Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain Foundation related to Qatar.
The biggest absentee from these welcoming events was Queen Camilla, who, following the advice of her doctors, chose to rest due to persistent symptoms of a chest infection. However, as we said, he was present at lunch.
In the afternoon, Amir and Sheikha will visit Westminster Abbey with the Dean of Westminster. From there they will proceed to the Palace of Westminster, where they will be greeted by the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. At the Hall of Royal Robes, the Amir will address Members of Parliament before joining the House of Lords and MPs for a reception.
Kate Middleton’s absence from the great state banquet
Later in the evening, Kings Charles and Camilla will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for their guests. Kate Middleton will not attend the event. This evening will be the last of its kind to be held at the palace, as the building is undergoing renovations meaning the banquet will not return to Buckingham until 2027. The ladies of the British royal family who attend will wear diadems and historic jewelry and before the celebrations begin, the king and amir will give speeches.
Despite Princess Kate’s absence, her presence on the tour is seen as a positive sign of her recovery, her most significant public engagement since beginning treatment for cancer. This is the first time the princess has attended such a state event in the past twelve months. In November 2023, she accompanied Prince William and the King and Queen to a reception for the President and First Lady of Korea.
After undergoing an abdominal operation in January 2024, of which no further details were given, two months later, in March, in a brave video, the princess revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventive chemotherapy treatment. . He canceled his schedule due to illness, which he did not resume until June, with his first official performance at the Trooping the Color Parade. He then attended more events, such as the Wimbledon final, and finally, in September, he announced that he had finished his chemotherapy treatment.
Aamir and Sheikha were last in London last year, in May, to witness the coronation of Charles and Camilla in the UK. They were accompanied by royal guests and heads of state and government from around the world, including King Felipe and Letizia.