HH the Amir Receives Grand Welcome in London During UK State Visit.

London: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with HH Consort of HH the Amir Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani, was accorded an official reception at the Royal Horse Guards Parade in London as they commenced their state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit was made at the invitation of HM King Charles III. According to Qatar News Agency, Their Highnesses were received by HM King Charles III, HE Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and several distinguished ministers, lords, military generals, and senior officials upon arrival at the Royal Court. The reception ceremony commenced with a royal salute and the playing of the national anthem of the State of Qatar, followed by an inspection of the Royal Guard of Honor by HH the Amir and HM King Charles III. Following the inspection, HM King Charles III and HH the Amir, accompanied by HH Consort of HH the Amir, proceeded to Buckingham Palace in traditional royal carriages. The journey was marked by the playing of Qatari and British national anth ems and an eighty-two round salute by the Royal Artillery. In a symbolic gesture of the strong ties between Qatar and the United Kingdom, HM King Charles III bestowed upon HH the Amir the Knight Grand Cross, the highest British Order. In reciprocation, HH the Amir presented the Sword of the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, Qatar's highest decoration, to HM King Charles III. The decoration exchange ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace, attended by Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani. The official visit also included a luncheon banquet hosted by HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace. The luncheon was attended by members of the official Qatari delegation, including HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, as well as HRH Prince William of Wales, HRH Princess Catherine of Wales, and other members of the British royal family. Earlier in the day, HRH Prince William and HRH Princess Catherine escorted HH the Amir and HH Sheikha Jowaher from their residence to the reception ceremony, marking a warm and cordial start to the state visit.