At a grand state banquet at Buckingham Palace, King Charles praised Qatar’s efforts for “tireless mediation over the past year in pursuit of peace.”
The Emir of Qatar is visiting the UK on a state trip. The King highlighted Qatar’s significant role in negotiations related to the Gaza conflict and the return of Israeli hostages.
The UK extended a warm diplomatic welcome to the wealthy, gas-rich nation, known for its strong business and military ties with Britain. Queen Camilla, despite recovering from pneumonia, attended the banquet after missing the outdoor segments of the official welcome.
State banquets, a highlight of such visits, are hosted in Buckingham Palace’s opulent ballroom. Guests dined with a 4,000-piece dinner service.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attended the banquet for the first time and sat at the top table with King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and the Qatari royal couple, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
Notable guests included Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch, seated next to David Beckham. On Beckham’s other side was Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain football club. Earlier, Beckham was spotted arriving at the event holding hands with his wife, Victoria.
