The emir of Qatar has arrived in the UK for a state visit, the ultimate diplomatic gift the UK can give.
The two-day visit is an invitation only extended to countries seen as particularly important to the UK.
It is expected to celebrate and reinforce UK-Qatari ties economically and strategically, as well as acknowledge Qatar’s recent global diplomatic efforts to de-escalate some of the world’s most pressing crises.
But human rights groups have also accused the UK government of “royal washing Qatar’s troubling rights record” by welcoming the emir and his wife.
In response, the UK government says it regularly discusses human rights with its Qatari counterparts and is opposed to discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender.
The Qatari royals will receive a ceremonial reception and military inspection, followed by a carriage parade to Buckingham Palace.
The Princess of Wales will be part of the horse-drawn procession, taking part in a state visit for the first time since ending the chemotherapy treatment that followed her cancer diagnosis.
She will join a private lunch at the Palace, along with the King, Queen and other senior royals.
The Qatari visitors will be brought to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, where the Emir will speak to representatives of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The centrepiece of such state visits is the state banquet, where the King and Emir will give speeches in front of dignitaries from both countries, in the grand setting of the Buckingham Palace ballroom.
The Princess of Wales won’t be at the banquet but it will be the first time Starmer will have been at this diplomatic showcase as prime minister.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our strong, historic ties with Qatar are vital to UK prosperity, growth and security. The UK government is committed to continued strong relations with Qatar to deliver partnerships of mutual value.”
On Monday afternoon, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, flew to Stansted Airport.
On Tuesday, they will be given a full ceremonial welcome, a carriage procession and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace as part of two days of events where the King and his family will play host.
Since the 2000s, Qatar has been a huge financial investor in the UK – in central London the Savoy Hotel and The Shard are just a couple of their standout investments.
In May 2022, the emir of Qatar was welcomed by the-then prime minister Boris Johnson, with his country promising to invest up to £10bn in the UK over five years.
MDW Live! News Network 
The emir of Qatar has arrived in the UK for a state visit, the ultimate diplomatic gift the UK can give.
The two-day visit is an invitation only extended to countries seen as particularly important to the UK.
It is expected to celebrate and reinforce UK-Qatari ties economically and strategically, as well as acknowledge Qatar’s recent global diplomatic efforts to de-escalate some of the world’s most pressing crises.
But human rights groups have also accused the UK government of “royal washing Qatar’s troubling rights record” by welcoming the emir and his wife.
In response, the UK government says it regularly discusses human rights with its Qatari counterparts and is opposed to discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender.
The Qatari royals will receive a ceremonial reception and military inspection, followed by a carriage parade to Buckingham Palace.
The Princess of Wales will be part of the horse-drawn procession, taking part in a state visit for the first time since ending the chemotherapy treatment that followed her cancer diagnosis.
She will join a private lunch at the Palace, along with the King, Queen and other senior royals.
The Qatari visitors will be brought to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, where the Emir will speak to representatives of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The centrepiece of such state visits is the state banquet, where the King and Emir will give speeches in front of dignitaries from both countries, in the grand setting of the Buckingham Palace ballroom.
The Princess of Wales won’t be at the banquet but it will be the first time Starmer will have been at this diplomatic showcase as prime minister.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our strong, historic ties with Qatar are vital to UK prosperity, growth and security. The UK government is committed to continued strong relations with Qatar to deliver partnerships of mutual value.”
On Monday afternoon, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, flew to Stansted Airport.
On Tuesday, they will be given a full ceremonial welcome, a carriage procession and a state banquet at Buckingham Palace as part of two days of events where the King and his family will play host.
Since the 2000s, Qatar has been a huge financial investor in the UK – in central London the Savoy Hotel and The Shard are just a couple of their standout investments.
In May 2022, the emir of Qatar was welcomed by the-then prime minister Boris Johnson, with his country promising to invest up to £10bn in the UK over five years.
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