Wills places supportive hand on beaming Kate’s shoulder as she greets Qatar’s royal family in latest return to work
PRINCESS Kate has greeted Qatar’s Royal Family alongside supportive Prince William who placed a hand on her shoulder in her latest return to work.
The Princess of Wales was snapped beaming with doting husband Wills by her side as they welcomed Amir Sheikh Tamim and his wife Sheikha Jawaher for a two-day state visit.
But she will not be at the lavish State Banquet tonight, as she saves energy for her heartwarming Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled with the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome with The King, after welcoming the couple at their residence.
Queen Camilla missed the welcome ceremony after pulling out last night due to lingering side effects of her viral chest infection.
She will still attend a private lunch at Buckingham Palace and state banquet this evening.
Camilla was ordered to rest and recover fully by doctors, but there have been no changes to her diagnosis or treatment.
During the welcome ceremony, presentations were made, the Guard of Honour who gave a royal salute and the Qatari national anthem was played.
The King, Prince and Princess of Wales and Qatari royals then took part in a carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Prince William and Princess Kate joined the Qatari royals and Prime Minister in the Australian carriage.
Kate donned an entire burgundy outfit – matching a hat, long coat, boots and handbag.
She also wore the late Queen’s necklace that she was wearing on the day of her funeral.
William’s burgundy-coloured tie was also paired with the Amir’s, while his wife went for a smart beige floor-length coat.
Kate will join them for a private lunch at Buckingham Palace and take a tour of priceless Qatari art on exhibition.
She will not be attending the lavish State Banquet tonight, where speeches will be made by the King and the Amir.
Later this week on Friday, the Princess of Wales will hold her Together At Christmas concert in Westminster Abbey.
She will attend with Prince William, their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and other members of the royal family.
Palace aides have said the service will “provide a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.
It is expected to be extra special and poignant given Kate’s own struggles this year with cancer.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the Qatari Royals during their state visit.
Charles was seen giggling at the ceremonial welcome as he joined his family for the occasion.
It is not known if Camilla will attend all engagements during their trip.
It comes after she had to pull out of yet another event on Monday due to ill-health.
The royal, 77, is understood to be still suffering lingering side effects of a viral chest infection.
Last month she was struck down by the bug days after returning from a tour of Australia and Samoa, alongside King Charles, 75.
She was ordered by royal doctors to stay at home and rest, cancelling her annual visit to the Field of Remembrance on November 7.
Camilla also pulled out of a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes hosted by the King the same evening.