Prince Edward arrived in Qatar today to offer condolences on behalf of King Charles following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on Sunday at the age of 74.
The Duke of Edinburgh was welcomed at Lusail Palace by the current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the late ruler’s son.
The visit represents the British monarchy’s formal tribute to a leader who guided the Gulf state through significant transformation during his reign.
King Charles and Queen Camilla had previously issued a statement conveying their “heartfelt condolences” upon learning of Sheikh Hamad’s death.
Prince Edward arrived in Qatar today to offer condolences on behalf of King Charles following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on Sunday at the age of 74 (stock image)
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Buckingham Palace’s tribute praised Sheikh Hamad’s decades of dedicated service to his nation, describing how he steered Qatar through a period of profound change.
“His leadership, vision and commitment to the welfare of the Qatari people were widely admired, both within Qatar and around the world,” the Palace stated.
The Royal Household extended sympathies to Sheikh Tamim, members of the Al Thani family, and Qatari citizens during their time of mourning.
“The thoughts and prayers of the Royal Family are with all those who grieve his loss,” the statement concluded.
The diplomatic mission underscores the longstanding relationship between Britain and Qatar, reinforced during a state visit by the Qatari royals to the UK in 2024.
At the state banquet held during that visit, King Charles highlighted Sheikh Tamim’s numerous trips to Britain as evidence of the deep personal connections linking both nations and their royal families.
The King described the United Kingdom as “Qatar’s oldest friend in the Western World,” emphasising the historic nature of the bilateral relationship.
Prince Edward’s journey to Doha comes just one day after his former girlfriend, musical theatre star Ruthie Henshall, appeared on ITV’s This Morning to discuss her forthcoming memoir about their romance.
The late Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani pictued with Queen Elizabeth II in 2010
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Ms Henshall insisted her book, titled The Showgirl and the Prince, is not a malicious exposé, revealing she had given the duke advance warning about the publication.
“I said, ‘I am doing this, and I promise you’ll come out of this well,’ because I have nothing bad to say about him,” she told presenters.
The actress described their five-year relationship as “a beautiful thing,” calling Edward “her first real love” and praising his gentlemanly conduct.
“He was not only a prince, he was a prince of a man,” she added.
Ms Henshall acknowledged the memoir contains some intimate details but defended its content, noting they were young during their romance.