King Charles and Keir Starmer have welcomed Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for a state visit to Britain that the prime minister hopes will help build on the Gulf state’s investment in the country, Reuters reports.

The emir and wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani arrived yesterday by car at Horse Guards Parade in London with Prince William and his wife Kate.

The emir took the opportunity to turn the spotlight on the situation in Gaza, saying the “tragic images that we see on a daily basis do not do it justice”. “Both Qatar and the UK believe that the conflict will not end until a sovereign Palestinian state is established,” he said.

At the start of a lavish state banquet, attended by politicians and celebrities such as David Beckham, Charles thanked the emir for his country’s efforts in mediating a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

“Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance and diplomatic efforts are, quite simply, beyond compare,” Charles said.

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