The King’s powerful words on peace resonate after State Visit

King Charles spoke during the Qatar State Visit of the ongoing work to achieve an end to current conflicts.

The King made the pursuit of peace and resolution a central plank of a speech that was a powerful part of what has been seen as a highly successful State Visit.

Addressing the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the State Banquet, His Majesty said ‘‘We are living through significant turbulence, the climate emergency, and the white heat of a scientific and technological revolution. Just as our parents served and worked so hard to confront the challenges of their ages, so too must we. And at such times of uncertainty and upheaval, old friendships assume even greater
importance.”

The King continued: ”If I may, I would particularly like to express the United Kingdom’s deepest gratitude for your tireless mediation efforts over the past year in pursuit of peace, in the face of unbearable heartache and
suffering. In these most desperate of circumstances, Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance and
diplomatic efforts are, quite simply, beyond compare.’‘

King Charles said: “Our unique, shared history stretches back over 160 years. The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar’s oldest friend in the Western World.”

The Emir responded by saying it was “a wonderful privilege to be here.”

The royal party was led by The King, Queen Camilla, The Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales.

Guests included David and Victoria Beckham. The two attended their first State Banquet as David is an ambassador for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and his wife, Victoria, were also in attendance.

During dinner, guests enjoyed a tarlet of Cornish lobster followed by Windsor pheasant and ice cream including Balmoral plum sorbet. In addition, wine and mocktails were served to the guests eating at the tables with seasonal flowers and foliage from Windsor.

Queen Camilla’s appearance comes as she continues to recover from a viral chest infection which she told guests had developed, at one point, into pneumonia. Her Majesty had missed the official welcome at Horse Guards Parade and met her guests at Buckingham Palace on their arrival there instead.

The Princess of Wales was at the official welcome and subsequent lunch but did not attend the State Banquet as she continues her recovery from cancer. The Princess did perform a key role in welcoming the Emir and his wife at their hotel ahead of an official military welcome.

The Qatari State Visit comes as the UK works on securing a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The council is a regional, political, and economic union including Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia among several other Arab states.

One might call the state visit of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani a sort of “homecoming” as he was educated in British schools.