The Princess of Wales joined the royals to welcome the Emir of Qatar today as she attended her most significant public engagement since starting cancer treatment
Kate and her husband Prince William greeted Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, on behalf of King Charles III in London.
She then travelled from the Emir’s private residence to the ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade. The women travelled in one chauffeur-driven car while the men travelled in another and the waiting King warmly greeted his guests on a dais.
The Princess wore a coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a hat by Sahar Millinery, with a pearl necklace that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II .
Kate is carrying out even more royal duties than previously planned at today’s state visit in London amid what is being seen as a ‘positive sign’ in royal circles.
After the ceremonial welcome, Kate travelled to Buckingham Palace to join the royal party for a private lunch, staying to view a display of priceless Qatari artefacts from the Royal Collection. But she will miss this evening’s glittering State Banquet.
Meanwhile Queen Camilla has been forced to scale back her involvement due to ill health, and travelled straight to the palace today – missing the ceremonial welcome.
Camilla’s car was driven around the quadrangle to the Grand Entrance, and she smiled as she stepped from the vehicle and made her way into the palace.
Around the same time at Horse Guards Parade, Charles welcomed the Qataris for a ceremony of pomp and pageantry. A guard of honour was formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards stood waiting in two ranks to be inspected by the Qataris.
The King was received at the Royal Pavilion by Sir Kenneth Olisa, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
The Silver Stick in Waiting, Brigadier Mark Berry, and the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, Colonel Guy Stone, were also present.
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Thank goodness
Nicey