In a gesture that has captured the attention of both the British and Qatari communities, King Charles III hosted a remarkable State Banquet in honour of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, at Buckingham Palace.
The event, which marked the Emir’s first State Visit to the United Kingdom, was an occasion of both celebration and reflection on the longstanding ties between the two nations.
As the banquet began, King Charles greeted the Emir and his wife, Jawaher, in Arabic, a move that immediately impressed the guests. “Your Highnesses, ASSALAMU-ALAYKUM [Peace be upon you],” the King said, before proceeding with a heartfelt address.
In his speech, the King took the opportunity to acknowledge the Emir’s connection to the United Kingdom, highlighting the Emir’s time at three prestigious British institutions: Sherborne, Harrow, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
“It gives my wife and myself the greatest possible pleasure to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening, on your first State Visit to the United Kingdom,” said King Charles, emphasising the depth of the relationship between the two countries.
In a truly personal touch, the King quoted a verse from the Holy Quran, underlining the shared values of both nations.
He cited the verse: "Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity," stressing the importance of humanitarian work and the mutual commitment to the betterment of mankind.
King Charles’s speech also included a warm welcome to the Emir, saying, “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].”
The historic banquet served as a reminder of the shared history and enduring friendship between Qatar and the United Kingdom, with King Charles expressing optimism for the future of their relationship. “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,” he concluded.
