The Prince of Wales has landed in Saudi Arabia to begin a three-day visit which will take in the capital Riyadh and the historic desert city of Al Ula.
Prince William touched down at King Khalid International Airport, where he was met at the Royal Terminal by Riyadh’s deputy governor, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, and walked a 150m purple carpet that had been rolled out for the occasion.
The visit comes just hours after Kensington Palace released a statement saying the Prince and Princess of Wales are “deeply concerned” about the recent allegations in the so-called “Epstein files”, released last week.
In a statement ahead of Prince William’s visit, a spokesman told travelling media: “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaThe Prince of Wales has arrived in Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit to learn about the Middle East country’s drive towards becoming a diversified and sustainable economy.
William will be hosted by the country’s leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, holding talks later followed by a private dinner.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Prince of Wales met with Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, ahead of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
© Alamy Stock PhotoWilliam arrived wearing a navy suit and red tie.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaThe Prince of Wales is today marking the start of a historic three-day visit.
Inside, he was given a traditional welcome with Arabic coffee and dates before being whisked away to meet Saudi Prime Minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Abdulaziz al Saud at the Unesco World Heritage site At-Turaif, in Diriyah.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe visit is taking place as a request from the UK government. It was said to be the “number one” request of the future King this year, according to a source.
The Crown Prince showed his guest around the 18th-century site – a Najdi mud-brick city which is also home to the Salwa Palace, the seat of power during the first Saudi State. The two Princes will have a private audience, followed by dinner at the At Turaif Palace.
Both heirs are likely to serve as monarchs for their respective countries for decades to come and their relationship is seen as key to strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations, with sources saying it was Government’s “number one ask” of him for 2026.
William has discussed his visit with the King, who has made 12 official visits to Saudi. Highlights of the trip include a visit to MISK Sports City, where he will meet women footballers, and Boulevard City, where he will attend an E-Sports tournament.
In the desert city of Al Ula, he will meet rangers at the Sharaan Nature Reserve to hear how they are protecting and reintroducing native species, including gazelles, the Arabian oryx and acacia woodlands, along with their work to bring back the critically endangered Arabian Leopard.
He will also help paint a wall in the new “Prince of Wales House” in the Old Town, a new British cultural space, before visiting Al Ula’s Oasis and Eco-Gardening Farm.
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