In a significant diplomatic event, King Charles III hosted a grand State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, marking the Emir’s first State Visit to the United Kingdom. This occasion was a celebration of the strong historical ties between the two nations.
The evening began with King Charles greeting the Emir and his wife, Jawaher, in Arabic: “ASSALAMU-ALAYKUM [Peace be upon you],” a gesture that was warmly received by the guests. In his address, the King acknowledged the Emir’s long-standing connection to the UK, recalling his time at three prestigious British institutions: Sherborne, Harrow, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
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“It gives my wife and myself the greatest possible pleasure to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening,” the King said, emphasizing the importance of the Emir’s visit. He also quoted a verse from the Holy Quran: “Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity,” underscoring the shared humanitarian values between the two countries.
The King extended a heartfelt welcome to the Emir, stating, “This evening I am delighted to mark the renewal of our enduring friendship: HAYYAKUM – MARRATAN UKHRA – FEE AL-MEMLIKA AL-MUTAHHIDA, BALADKOM ATH-THANI [welcome back to the United Kingdom, your second home].”
King Charles concluded his speech by expressing optimism for the future of UK-Qatar relations, 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.”
The banquet was a poignant reminder of the strong and enduring friendship between Qatar and the United Kingdom, highlighting the deep diplomatic and cultural ties that continue to thrive between the two nations.
