Blitz Bureau
KING Charles has praised the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his “tireless mediation efforts over the past year in pursuit of peace”.
The Emir of Qatar is on a state visit to the UK. The King highlighted the Gulf state’s role in negotiations in the Gaza conflict and the return of Israeli hostages at a glittering state banquet in Buckingham Palace, according to BBC.
A champion of building bridges between religions, the King quoted from the Quran – “Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity” – and words from the Bible, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” the news agency said.
In response, the Emir praised the King’s efforts for “inter-faith dialogue” and said the UK and Qatar are “not only friends, but partners”.
Queen Camilla also attended the state banquet. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was on the top table for the first time, along with the King, Queen and Prince of Wales – and the Qatari royal couple, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, David Beckham and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris St-Germain football club, were among those who attended the banquet.
