Emir of Qatar Visits Sandhurst for State Banquet – Live Updates
The Emir of Qatar, on his final day of a two-day state visit to the UK, has begun his engagements at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst after a grand state banquet at Buckingham Palace the previous night. The emir, accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, is set to meet the King for a formal farewell before proceeding to 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister. Following this, an evening dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation at Mansion House awaits him before his departure from Stansted Airport.
David and Victoria Beckham Attend State Banquet
Notable figures like David and Victoria Beckham graced the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of the Qatari ruler. The star-studded affair saw the Beckhams, affectionately dubbed “Posh and Becks,” among the 170 guests present in the Palace ballroom. Their attendance added a touch of glamour to the opulent event, marking their first state banquet experience.
Metropolitan Police Officer Denies Causing Death in Royal Escort Crash
A Metropolitan Police officer, Christopher Harrison, has pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving in a tragic incident involving a motorcade escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh. The collision claimed the life of 81-year-old Helen Holland, who succumbed to her injuries two weeks after the accident. The Duchess expressed her condolences to Ms. Holland’s family, highlighting the somber repercussions of the incident.
Human Rights Concerns Amid Qatar’s State Visit
Qatar’s state visit has drawn criticism from human rights groups, shedding light on the country’s contentious record. Amid its diplomatic engagements and economic endeavors, Qatar faces scrutiny for its stance on same-sex relationships and treatment of migrant workers. Amnesty International UK’s Polly Truscott emphasized the importance of addressing human rights issues alongside the ceremonial aspects of the visit, urging accountability and reform in Qatar’s policies.
