Photo: The Royal Household
Speaking Arabic: Charles and Camilla host banquet for the Sultan
King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a state banquet for the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle. The King greeted his guest in Arabic and highlighted the bond between Prince William and the Sultan's son.
King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a state banquet on Tuesday evening for Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. Around 160 guests were invited, among them Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended.
The King spoke in Arabic
The King opened his speech in Arabic, quoting poetry in an ancient form of the language. He welcomed the Sultan with the words "Welcome to a visitor of whom one never tires".
He thanked Oman for its work as a mediator in a troubled region, and for its efforts to keep the shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz open. "Oman's role across the Gulf is worthy of our utmost respect," the King said.
Proud of William and the Sultan's son
The King also highlighted that Prince William and the Sultan's son, Crown Prince Theyazin, were joint patrons of an expedition through Oman last year. For 30 days the expedition followed the 1928 route of British explorer Bertram Thomas, on foot, by camel and by 4x4.
"There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next," the King said. William and Crown Prince Theyazin sat together at the dinner.
In his speech the Sultan thanked Britain for standing beside Oman. "In a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path," he said.
Omani coffee with a British twist
After dinner the guests were offered a drink inspired by the Omani tradition of kahwa, spiced coffee served as a gesture of hospitality. The castle's chefs created their own version using British teas and Windsor honey.
