The Duke of Cambridge has touched down in Kuwait to begin his four-day royal visit to the Middle East, where he’ll be spending time in Kuwait and Oman.
Landing at Kuwait International Airport on Sunday, the royal father-of-three was welcomed by Kuwait’s Minister of the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace) Affairs, Sheikh Ali al-Jarrah al-Sabah, for his first visit to the country.
The royal visit, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will pay tribute to the historic ties Britain shares with Kuwait and Oman and will highlight the strong links and cooperation in areas including education, the environment and defence.
“From the modern capitals of Kuwait City and Muscat to the vast Kuwaiti deserts and stunning wadis in the Omani mountains, the visit will take in both countries’ unique cultures, their beautiful landscapes, and diverse communities,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.
Throughout the tour, Prince William will learn more about organisations working to educate and empower young people and the programmes helping them develop life skills such as leadership and resilience.
“The Duke will also hear more about Kuwait and Oman’s ambitious plans to conserve their natural environment, and protect their important ecosystems from new environmental challenges.”
According to The Sun, a highlight of Prince William’s trip will include experiencing a desert lifestyle outside Kuwait’s capital, Kuwait City.
The publication reports the 37-year-old will join Kuwaiti and UK troops on a ‘Desert Warrior’ exercise.
“Throughout the visit, The Duke will have the opportunity to meet with a broad range of Kuwaitis and Omanis, including children and young people, leaders from government, inspiring conservationists, and those working in the charity sector,” Kensington Palace says.
Adding, Prince William’s visit to Kuwait also coincides with the 120th anniversary of the signing of the 1899 Friendship Treaty between Britain and Kuwait.
Prince William is welcomed to Kuwait by Kuwait’s Minister of the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace) Affairs. (Image: Getty)
Prince William’s visit comes just hours after Kensington Palace announced the exciting news that the Prince and Duchess Catherine will be starring in a TV Christmas Special with cookery legend Mary Berry, where they will shine a spotlight on some of their key charities and help her whip up a festive feast for Christmas volunteers.
It’s also hot on the heel of his five-day royal tour of Pakistan with the Duchess of Cambridge which was described by the palace as the couple’s “most complex” tour ever.
The official visit saw the royal couple travel across the country focusing on highlighting the importance of education, in particular, the importance of quality education for girls and women as well as shining a spotlight on the very real effects of climate change.
The visit also marked an unexpected first for Duchess Catherine, who conducted her very first TV news interview since becoming a member of the royal family eight years ago.
WATCH: Kate Middleton delivers her first TV news interview since becoming a royal. Story continues below…
Speaking to CNN correspondent Max Foster during a visit to an SOS Children’s Village in Lahore, Pakistan, Kate, with William by her side spoke of the cause that was very close to her heart.
“William and I really wanted to come and see an SOS Children’s Village like this,” Kate explained.
“There are so many vulnerable women here but they’re really used their positivity and the support that the village here provides them to support and protect the next generation, the children in their care and give them the best possible start to their future lives.”
She also spoke of how “fantastic” the visit to Pakistan has been, saying: “We’ve seen a lot of Pakistan, a huge variety, it’s amazing seeing some of the geography but then to see some of the community activities like this has been really special.”
