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.”
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
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 11:55
In pictures: Union flags and flags of Qatar line The Mall in London on Tuesday
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 11:34
No major changes to Queen’s diary expected for rest of week
No major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
Doctors have urged Camilla to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa, which include diminished reserves of energy.
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 10:45
Watch: Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
The Princess of Wales is adding the final touches to her Christmas carol service plans ahead of the royal festive event. Princess Kate will return to Westminster Abbey to host her fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service on Friday (6 December). Westminster Abbey will be filled with 1,600 people who have supported others in their communities, whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work, or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering. Kate will attend the service after completing her chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The Princess shared an update on final plans for the service on her and Prince William’s official Instagram account on Monday (2 December).
Tara Cobham3 December 2024 10:00