Royal welcome at Windsor for Qatar's Sheikh Hamad
27 Oct 2010
Queen Elizabeth II hosted a lavish state banquet to welcome the Emir of Qatar to Britain on Tuesday, as the leader of the Gulf state and the British premier vowed to strengthen trade links.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani was the guest of honour for the banquet in regal surroundings at Windsor Castle, which was also attended by senior figures from the British royal family and prime minister David Cameron.
The 58-year-old emir earlier arrived in Windsor, west of London, where he shook hands with the British monarch at the start of the three-day state visit aimed at boosting growing trade and both countries' bids for the World Cup.
Speaking at the banquet, the queen said, "This visit is a chance for us to celebrate the breadth and depth of our partnership. I am confident that, in the years to come, it will bring significant social, economic and political benefits to both our countries."
The Qatar ruler and Sheikha Mozah, one of his three wives, were joined at the banquet by many of his country's ministers. The 51-year-old Sheikha is famed for her designer outfits and trademark turbans.
Before the banquet, the Queen's 89-year-old husband, Prince Philip, showed he can still turn on the charm as he chatted to the emir's wife while viewing items related to Qatar in Windsor Castle.
