The event, held at Buckingham Palace, marked Qatar's state visit with pomp and tradition. The event highlighted the strong ties between Qatar and the UK while also being a private moment for the King. In his heartfelt speech, King Charles reflected on the challenges the royal family has faced recently, including health issues and the pressures of their duties. He spoke openly about these challenges, highlighting the family's resilience.
To impress the 150 guests, he began by greeting them in Arabic with the words "assalam alikum", meaning peace be upon you. The gesture set a welcoming tone for the evening, which focused on unity and respect. The King expressed his delight at the restoration of friendship between the UK and Qatar, declaring: “Welcome back to the UK, your second home.” He praised the mutual respect that has shaped their decades-long relationship and acknowledged the King’s efforts towards global peace and justice.
He also acknowledged the courage of the royal family members who have overcome health challenges to return to public service. The King noted that they are united in their duty to serve the people and uphold the traditions of their country. A particularly heartfelt moment came when he spoke to Princess Catherine, who is recovering from cancer. He praised her strength and grace, saying that her return brings hope to many.
King Charles’ speech was a tribute to the royal family’s shared commitment to charity and community service. He affirmed their dedication to making a positive difference, stating that it was their duty to rise up in challenging times. He also highlighted the joint efforts between the UK and Qatar to tackle pressing global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, expressing comfort in their collaboration. He also praised their partnership in science, technology, education and defence.
Looking ahead, His Majesty shared his optimism about a new 20-year partnership focused on clean energy. He concluded with a hopeful message about facing the challenges of the future together. The banquet, which symbolised unity and optimism, was attended by notable guests from both countries. The themes of the strong bond between the two nations and the power of the royal family resonated deeply throughout the evening, ensuring that King Charles' speech will be remembered as a powerful statement of hope and shared purpose.