King Charles Welcomes Amir of Qatar for State Banquet
King Charles III welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhim Al Thani to Buckingham Palace for a lavish state banquet on Tuesday evening, marking the beginning of a two-day state visit.
A Homecoming Celebration
Addressing 150 guests, including high-profile figures like David and Victoria Beckham, the King opened his speech with a warm “Assalamu-Alaykum” – “Peace be upon you”— highlighting the deep ties between the UK and Qatar. He described the Amir’s visit as a “homecoming,” noting the years the Amir spent studying in the UK at Sherborne, Harrow, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
“This evening, I am delighted to mark the renewal of our enduring friendship,” he said, before repeating his welcome in Arabic: “Welcome back to the United Kingdom, your second home.”
A Special Bond
King Charles emphasized the “special bond” between the UK and Qatar, built on “mutual respect that has stood the test of time.” He commended the Amir’s “tireless mediation efforts over the past year in pursuit of peace,” stating, “We stand with you in our commitment to a world where peace and justice prevail over division.”
The King expressed optimism about the future, sharing his comfort in knowing that both governments are collaborating to tackle pressing issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. “I am greatly encouraged to know that we are embarking on a partnership that will, over the next 20 years, place our nations jointly at the forefront of clean energy technology development,” he added.
A Tapestry of Cooperation
The King also acknowledged the nations’ extensive work together on science and technology, education, and defense, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their relationship.
Before proposing a toast, he shared his heartfelt optimism, saying, “I am filled with optimism about the possibilities that lie ahead for our two great nations. Whatever new challenges and opportunities emerge, I am confident that we will meet them together.”
A Toast to Friendship
The Amir responded with a moving speech, reflecting on the “personal connections” between their families and paying tribute to the “cherished” memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
“And let us pray for the continued health of His Majesty, and to the strength of our alliance and friendship.”
A Feast Fit for Royalty
Guests enjoyed a three-course banquet, indulging in Cornish Lobster, Windsor Pheasant, and iced bombe with a Balmoral Plum sorbet. They savored five different wines, including award-winning English sparkling wine from Chapel Down, a winery based in Tenterden, Kent.
Blooming with Beauty
Tables in the Palace ballroom were adorned with seasonal flowers, including foliage from Windsor Home Park and the Orchard Garden at Windsor Castle. After the banquet, the arrangements were donated to Floral Angels, a charity the Queen was patron of that delivers blooms to hospices, elderly care homes, shelters, and other beneficiaries near its base in New Covent Garden Flower Market.
A Melodic Finale
Musical performances by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the King’s Harpist, Mared Pugh-Evans, entertained guests. The program featured traditional classic music, alongside contemporary covers from musicals Chicago, West Side Story, and even a song from the Disney film Moana.
How has the Amir of Qatar’s education in the UK influenced the relationship between the two countries?
## Interview with Dr. Ahmed Khalil, Expert on UK-Qatar Relations
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Khalil. King Charles hosted a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. What is the significance of this visit?
**Dr. Khalil:** This visit is incredibly significant, marking a continuation of a longstanding and deep relationship between the UK and Qatar. As King Charles highlighted in his speech, the two nations share a “special bond” bolstered by mutual respect and shared interests.
**Host:** King Charles described the Amir’s visit as a “homecoming,” referencing the Amir’s time studying in the UK. How does this personal connection contribute to the overall relationship?
**Dr. Khalil:** The Amir’s educational background in the UK, including prestigious institutions like Harrow and Sandhurst, forged a personal connection that undoubtedly strengthens diplomatic ties. This shared experience fosters a deeper understanding and mutual respect. [[1](https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2024-10-11/state-visit-by-the-amir-of-the-state-of-qatar) provides a timeline of their interactions highlighting this enduring relationship.]
**Host:** King Charles also stressed the cooperation between the UKand Qatar in tackling global issues like climate change. Can you expand on this collaboration?
**Dr. Khalil:** The UK and Qatar have been actively collaborating on various fronts, particularly in the realm of clean energy. This visit seems to signal a deepening commitment to this partnership, with the King expressing optimism about a 20-year plan placing both nations “at the forefront of clean energy technology development.”
**Host:** Lastly, what are your expectations for the outcome of this state visit?
**Dr. Khalil:** I believe this visit will undoubtedly serve to reaffirm the robust alliance between the UK and Qatar. We can expect to see deepened collaboration in areas like trade, investment, and security, coupled with a shared commitment to tackling pressing global challenges together.
