London, Dec. 3, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Princess Catherine (Kate) of Wales made a rare public appearance as King Charles III officially welcomed the emir of Qatar to the UK for a two-day state visit.
Charles greeted the Gulf state ruler in Whitehall as he began a busy round of public engagements aimed at strengthening the ties between the UK and the Middle East nation.
Military pomp and pageantry was on display for the ceremonial welcome for the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher.
But missing was Queen Camilla who, on Monday evening, pulled out of the official open-air greeting and a carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace, due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
On Whitehall’s Horse Guards Parade, a guard of honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards stood waiting in two ranks to be inspected by the visiting head of state.
Prince William and Kate had followed tradition and accompanied the emir and his wife from their private residence to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome.
The princess looked relaxed as she stepped from a chauffeur-driven car with the prince, one of only a handful of official events Kate has carried out this year.
Kate has been gradually returning to royal duties after she announced in September that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and her focus was “doing what [she] can to stay cancer free.”
She will also have lunch with Charles, Camilla and William when they host their guests Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher, and be part of the royal party viewing a display of items relating to Qatar in the palace’s picture gallery.
However, Kate will not attend the state banquet hosted by king in the palace’s ballroom that evening, although William will be a guest.
Doctors have urged Camilla, 77, to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, which she contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa, that include diminished reserves of energy.
She is hoping to be able to view the display of Qatari artefacts in the palace’s picture gallery, and at the start of the state banquet will pose for a group photo – but will take a short break before dinner while guests are being met in a receiving line.
No major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
GNA