The Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, arrived in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2024, for an official State Visit at the invitation of His Majesty The King. This visit, a testament to the enduring diplomatic relationship between Qatar and the UK, included ceremonial splendor, cultural exchanges, and high-level diplomatic discussions.
Ceremonial Welcome and Arrival in London
The State Visit commenced with a grand ceremonial welcome at the Horse Guards Parade, where the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher were greeted by The King. The Prince and Princess of Wales, showing solidarity and hospitality, escorted Their Highnesses from their private residence to the parade. Notably, the Princess, recovering from cancer treatment, joined the official welcome despite not attending the evening banquet.
In the winter sunshine, the King introduced Sheikh Tamim to senior government officials, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The Prince of Wales hosted Sheikha Jawaher, engaging her in conversation alongside the Princess, who was gently supported by her husband throughout the day. The Amir inspected the Guard of Honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, while The King, undergoing cancer treatment, followed closely. This moment was enriched by the presence of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, reflecting the Amir’s interest in horses.
Carriage Procession and Arrival at Buckingham Palace
After the ceremonial proceedings, the royal party departed the Horse Guards Parade in a formal carriage procession. The Amir and Sheikha Jawaher accompanied The King in the Irish State Coach, while the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with the Qatari Prime Minister, followed in the Australian State Coach. Upon arrival at Buckingham Palace, a second welcoming ceremony featured a Royal Salute and the playing of the Qatari and British national anthems. Inside the Palace, the Queen greeted the guests warmly, marking the beginning of a schedule designed to foster bilateral understanding and cooperation.
Exploration of Shared Heritage
Following a private lunch in the Blue Drawing Room, the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher explored a curated exhibition in the Palace’s Picture Gallery. The exhibition displayed items from the Royal Collection linked to Qatar, emphasizing shared history and cultural bonds. The King enthusiastically guided Their Highnesses through the display, describing the extraordinary artifacts and library. Among the items showcased were a gold mantel clock gifted by the Sheikh to The King in 2010 and a set of photographic prints capturing the essence of Doha’s Souq Waqif. The Prince and Princess of Wales, walking together, engaged with the exhibit, highlighting the strength of the relationship between the two nations.
The State Banquet
On the evening of December 3, the King and Queen hosted a lavish State Banquet in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom. The King’s speech underscored the significance of Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Middle East, particularly during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family attended the banquet, while the Princess, focusing on her health recovery, refrained from participating in the evening event.
Visit Sandhurst Military Academy
A highlight of the second day was the Amir’s return to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, his alma mater, where he met Qatari cadets currently enrolled there. This visit symbolized the enduring educational and military ties between the UK and Qatar.
Before concluding the visit, the Amir and The King exchanged introductions with their senior aides, a gesture of mutual respect and diplomacy. The visit not only celebrated the historic bonds between the UK and Qatar but also reinforced their shared commitment to global diplomacy, cultural understanding, and strategic collaboration.
This meticulously organized State Visit demonstrated the enduring strength of the Qatar-UK relationship, highlighting mutual respect and aspirations for a collaborative future.
