Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward stepped up alongside Princess Kate and Prince William as the royals continue to support Queen Camilla through her health battle.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh welcomed the Emir of Qatar and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales on their visit to Buckingham Palace earlier today.


King Charles will host the Middle Eastern royals in the last state visit at Buckingham Palace until 2027, which will be undergoing refurbishments.

The visit was the first time the King has hosted a head of state from the region since his ascension.

Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Prince William, Kate Middleton and the Duke of Kent

Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward stepped up alongside Princess Kate and Prince William

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Sophie and Edward joined the Prince and Princess of Wales following a palace lunch.

They were pictured viewing a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain Foundation relating to Qatar.

The royal pair were all smiles as they viewed the collection alongside the Duke of Kent.

The senior working royals were absent in the morning when the Prince and Princess of Wales greeted The Emir and Sheikha Jawaher at their residence, on behalf of The King.

Prince and Princess of Wales

Sophie and Edward joined the Prince and Princess of Wales following a palace lunch

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The King formally welcomed the Qatari leaders at the Royal Pavillion after a ceremonial Horse Guards Parade welcome.

The ceremony featured full military honours, with presentations and a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour.

King Charles and the Emir conducted an inspection of the Guard of Honour, formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, accompanied by the Regiment’s Band in a traditional display of diplomatic ceremony.

Princess Kate will not be present when the Emir returns to Kensington Palace after a tour of Westminster. He will be received by The Prince of Wales.

Queen Camilla

The Queen has withdrawn from the outside elements of the engagement

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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected to join the rest of the Royal Family at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for the Emir of Qatar and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

In the evening, Queen Camilla will accompany the King in hosting the meal.

The Queen has withdrawn from the outside elements of the engagement after she announced she suffered from pneumonia side effects.

The royal has pulled out of several appearances, including Remembrance Weekend and the Royal Variety Performance, due to post-viral fatigue following her return from the South Pacific Tour in October.