WILLIAM AND KATE WELCOME QATAR'S EMIR, WIFE AT WHITEHALL CEREMONY

LONDON, Dec 3 (Bernama-AA) -- The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, welcomed Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his consort Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani during a grand ceremony in Whitehall on Tuesday.

Marking the second day of their state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), the royal couple’s visit underscores a significant step in bolstering diplomatic and economic ties between the Gulf state and Britain, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

On Monday, the Qatari royals arrived at Stansted Airport and were greeted at Kensington Palace by Prince William and Catherine.

Queen Camilla, 77, was unable to attend the initial reception due to a chest infection but is expected to participate in later events.

The Emir’s packed itinerary on Tuesday includes a special exhibition at Buckingham Palace showcasing Qatar’s contributions and partnerships, followed by a state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The state visit features ceremonial welcomes, royal engagements, and high-level discussions aimed at advancing a potential free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprises six member states.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Tamim is scheduled to visit the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street. The visit will conclude with a formal dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of London and the City of London Corporation.

Trade relations are a cornerstone of the visit, with the UK government highlighting the annual £57 billion (US$72 billion) trade volume between the UK and GCC.

The proposed free trade agreement could inject an additional £1.6 billion (US$2 billion) into the UK economy.

-- BERNAMA-AA