State Visit from the King of Saudi Arabia: October 30-November 2, 2007

[love_cc]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Now you know what a little tinker Charles can be, if he had a problem with the visit, he would unfortunately have had a prior engagement, as he did with the Chinese visit.

I think Charles has changed his attitudes about China several years ago.After all he did meet one Chinese official years ago who is the Minister of the Police now and he seems to like Lang Lang and some other chinese business men.

He boycotted the state banquet in 2001 was because he still felt bitter how about the return ceremony of 1997 hong kong return to China and he said in his diary that he was spied on when he was on the board of Britainia.I think he was pretty angry about that. he human rights and the religions are just excuses and I get a feel that he does not like the idea of communism at all. For 2005 I think it was because he and Camilla was really too tired about the US trip.Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing him visiting China in a year or two. He is a smart man after all.He will be welcomed.

[Skydragon]

{deleted for consistency - Elspeth}

Originally Posted by love_cc

He boycotted the state banquet in 2001 was because he still felt bitter how about the return ceremony of 1997 hong kong return to China and he said in his diary that he was spied on when he was on the board of Britainia.I think he was pretty angry about that. he human rights and the religions are just excuses and I get a feel that he does not like the idea of communism at all. For 2005 I think it was because he and Camilla was really too tired about the US trip.

The Epoch Times | Diaries Reveal Prince Charles Regarded Himself a "Dissident"

I'm still pleased he came and glad he appears to have had a good time.

[sophie]

I just love how they are holding hands, you can just see the love these two people have for each other.

[udyusa]

Really Sophie? I believe it is the only photo that I have seen of the two of them holding hands! Usually Charles has his hands in one of his pockets or handling his cuff-link. :-)

[Polly]

{political comments deleted - Elspeth}

To end where I began: I am not comfortable with my Head of State, albeit in a very different role, playing the gracious host to those whom, I'm convinced, are probably secretly laughing up their sleeves, in private. And why wouldn't they?

[Elspeth]

The Queen has been put in this position before by governments wishing to appease or form relationships with questionable regimes. This is one of those cases where she doesn't have a lot of choice; she's the Head of State, and the government sometimes has to (and sometimes apparently just wants to) be friendly with some countries which have less than admirable humanitarian records. The USA is a firm friend of Saudi Arabia, Tony Blair followed where George Bush led, and the Queen gets to smile at the King of Saudi Arabia.

[Roslyn]

Originally Posted by Polly

To end where I began: I am not comfortable with my Head of State, albeit in a very different role, playing the gracious host to those whom, I'm convinced, are probably secretly laughing up their sleeves, in private. And why wouldn't they?

I share your lack of comfort about our Head of State in these circumstances.

In my heart I have finally accepted that British interests and ours have diverged so much over the past 50 years that the British monarch can no longer serve both Britain and Australia equally, and therefore should no longer be our Head of State. I am not yet ready to admit that to the Republicans of my acquaintance though.

ETA I just want to add that I wholeheartedly believe in diplomacy, and that it is important to keep the lines of communication open in the hope of negotiating a satisfactory resolution and averting war. Diplomacy can definitely achieve what politics cannot. I would just like my representative to owe his/her primary loyalty to Australia, not Britain.

[CasiraghiTrio]

Well Ladies, and Gentlemen, what do you say? As always, it is an immense pleasure to discuss these weighty issues with you. There is so much wonderfully stimulating conversation, thus the reason for my regular visits to the forums. I think, however, a coffee break (remove the thinking caps, have a rest) and some pictures are in order.

From left, Britain´s Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw, Prince Andrew, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and the Lord Mayor of London, John Stuttard stand in the Guildhall in London before the State Banquet, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Lewis Whyld/PA)

See picture
Top row, #4 from right, click it to make it appear as preview on the right side, and click the preview to see even bigger version....

[Russophile]

Is that an ermine cape the Lord Mayor is wearing?

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Russophile

Is that an ermine cape the Lord Mayor is wearing?

I think you are right, it certainly looks like it.

{response to deleted post removed - Elspeth}

IOL: Saudi king prepares for tour of Rome

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia left Britain on Thursday, the Foreign Office said, after a state visit which was the first stop on a tour which will also take in Italy, Germany and Turkey.

[BeatrixFan]

What I find slightly strange is how the Prince of Wales boycotted the Chinese state visit but he didn't do the same with the Saudi visit. Double standards?

[sophie25]

If you go to the isifa photo agency site and type "Saudi Arabia" into the search engine pictures of the visit come up and on pages 6 and 7 of the photos there are great pics of all the Royals arriving for the banquet.

[susan alicia]

we can not be sure he boycotted the official banquet by not attending, he was not in the country, it might have been on purpose but that is something you can not prove

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

What I find slightly strange is how the Prince of Wales boycotted the Chinese state visit but he didn't do the same with the Saudi visit. Double standards?

[Daniel d'Evreux]

Hello colleagues - you'll notice, if you've not already seen this photo prior (see LINK below) that The Duchess is wearing her new "Family Order" recently received from Her Majesty. This Daily Mail photo was taken with Prince Charles on their way to the State Dinner for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. It is my understanding that it was the late King Fahd who dropped "His Majesty" in favor of formally being titled "The Custodian..." - am I correct?
Camilla becomes the royal dazzler at controversial banquet | the Daily Mail

[PrincessofEurope]

are there any pics from the return banquet what was the queen wearing

[Al_bina]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

What I find slightly strange is how the Prince of Wales boycotted the Chinese state visit but he didn't do the same with the Saudi visit. Double standards?

Perhaps... the presents from Chinese are not as valuable as presents given by the Saudi Royals...

[Madame Royale]

What I find slightly strange is how the Prince of Wales boycotted the Chinese state visit but he didn't do the same with the Saudi visit. Double standards?

The struggle of the Dalai Lama, largely influenced by the Chinese government is something Charles felt passionate about so it's believed.

But to not attend a banquet in honour of a King and Dynasty who have long 'favoured' a 'rapport' with the Windsors via ample gems? Tut tut Sam, how could Charles not attend? ...hehe.

[BeatrixFan]

True. But if the President of China gave Camilla a whopper would Charles attend a banquet? We just don't know. I suppose they attend what they're told to attend but I just didnt like the idea of this one. And I wasn't invited so I couldn't give the King a set of "I love Lucy" DVDs which I know he just lurves.

[grevinnan]

This is a question for someone familiar with middle eastern customs. One often see the men having only the right arm in the sleeve of their traditional outer garment (can not remember the name of it) and the left arm not in the sleeve but holding the robe from slipping off the left shoulder. I am familiar with the right hand vs left hand uses but not the sleeve issue? Can anyone shed some light???

[Madame Royale]

True. But if the President of China gave Camilla a whopper would Charles attend a banquet?

Probably..lol.