Next week, Catherine, Princess of Wales, will make a notable return to royal duties after her recovery from chemotherapy earlier this year. The 42-year-old princess is set to join her husband, Prince William, in welcoming the Emir of Qatar to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, marking the start of the Emir’s two-day state visit.
A key role in the state visit
This event will be Catherine’s first major engagement since her recovery. She had to miss the state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June due to her treatment. Catherine and Prince William will greet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, on Tuesday morning.
The visit will include a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade. The Qatari national anthem will be played, and the royals will then travel in a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. King Charles and Queen Camilla will join them for the event, which will feature mounted soldiers from the Household Cavalry.
Cultural exhibition and official events
After the procession, the royals will attend a luncheon at Buckingham Palace. Later, a cultural exhibition will take place, showcasing Qatar’s heritage. This exhibition is a collaboration between the Royal Collection Trust and the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. The foundation was established by King Charles to preserve cultural heritage globally.
In the afternoon, the Emir and Sheikha Jawaher will visit Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. They will meet members of the House of Lords and Parliament.
Adjusted schedule for the princess
Although Catherine is expected to attend several events, her schedule may be adjusted. She will not be present at the state banquet on Tuesday evening, where King Charles and the Emir will deliver speeches. This is a smaller gathering with about 150 VIPs, including diplomats and cultural leaders.
A royal source has confirmed that the Princess’s absence from events like the Diplomatic Corps reception is nothing to worry about. Instead, they referred to her upcoming engagements as “good news,” reflecting her steady recovery.
Annual Christmas carol concert
Catherine will end the week by hosting her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening. This year’s concert will focus on the importance of community, especially during challenging times. The families of children affected by the stabbing attack in Southport earlier this year will be among the guests.
