At a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace, King Charles lauded the Emir of Qatar and his country’s “tireless mediation efforts” over the past year, particularly in facilitating peace negotiations regarding the Gaza conflict and the return of Israeli hostages. The Emir of Qatar is currently on a state visit to the UK, during which King Charles emphasized Qatar’s significant role in global diplomacy.
The banquet was a symbol of the strong diplomatic ties between the gas-rich Gulf state and the UK, with both business and military relationships playing a key role in the partnership. Queen Camilla, who had been recovering from pneumonia, was present at the event after missing the earlier ceremonial portions of the welcome.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attended the banquet, marking his first appearance at the event in his capacity as the UK’s leader. Alongside him were King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince of Wales, and the Qatari royal couple, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
Among other notable guests was football icon David Beckham, seated next to Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Beckham, who had arrived with his wife Victoria, was seen holding her hand as they walked into the banquet.
The event’s grandeur was reflected in the menu, featuring a tartlet of Cornish lobster and quail eggs as a starter, followed by pheasant wrapped in Savoy cabbage with truffle sauce, and a dessert of iced bombe with Samoan vanilla ice cream and Balmoral plum sorbet. Each guest had five glasses at their table, and the wine list included prestigious selections such as Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2018 and Chateau Lynch-Bages Pauillac 2000.
This state banquet at Buckingham Palace is the last one to be held here for the next couple of years due to ongoing renovation works at the palace, with future banquets likely to take place at Windsor Castle.
King Charles praised Qatar’s diplomatic efforts, saying, “In the most desperate of circumstances, Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance, and diplomatic efforts are invaluable.” He also quoted from both the Quran and the Bible, emphasizing the importance of peace and interfaith dialogue. In response, the Emir expressed appreciation for the King’s dedication to fostering religious understanding and noted that the UK and Qatar are not only friends but partners.
The royal welcome for Qatar continued with a ceremonial greeting at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace. On Wednesday, the Emir is set to meet with Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
Qatar’s importance as a bridge between the West and the Middle East was underscored by its hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, Qatar’s defense and trade partnerships with the UK are substantial, with Qatari investments in the UK economy reaching £40 billion, and the two countries sharing a joint RAF Typhoon squadron.
Despite the strong diplomatic ties, there were protests during the visit, particularly regarding Qatar’s human rights record, including concerns over LGBT rights, women’s rights, and the treatment of migrant workers. Critics, including the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Human Rights Watch, have called on the UK government to address these issues. In response, the UK Foreign Office reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Qatar, while also emphasizing its commitment to human rights and non-discrimination.
