“As our government continues to struggle with the hangover from Brexit, war raging in Europe and the ever increasing threat from harmful tariffs from the United States, Britain’s need to forge new alliances and protect its own interests is ever more evident”
In a world of turmoil and chaos – look no further than Donald Trump’s speech this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos – now more than ever is the time for cool heads and calming influence on the global stage.
The announcement of Prince William’s historic upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia should come as no surprise.
As our government continues to struggle with the hangover from Brexit, war raging in Europe and the ever increasing threat from harmful tariffs from the United States, Britain’s need to forge new alliances and protect its own interests is ever more evident. Canadian prime minister Mark Carney stunned the world in Davos this week as he outlined such issues, saying his nation was ready to set out on a more independent path away from old relationships that could no longer be guaranteed.
In Davos, Carney was candid that the notion of the longstanding rules-based order was an “illusion”. While the royal family has firm ties stretching back generations across the Middle East, there can be no clearer example of soft diplomacy in action than enlisting the support of the Prince of Wales.
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William has a deep interest in the Middle East, but such excursions unveil a deeper mission. In recent years, the Prince of Wales has traveled to Israel, Palestine, Oman, UAE and Kuwait. His presence as a leading member of the royal family undersigned by the fact that one day, he will be king.
I have witnessed William on several occasions enact this very role. Palace aides often like to raise the notion of William as a “global statesman”, but by the very nature of his role as a prince and future monarch, this is something he has done all his life.
Indeed, he has grown into an ever more important role as his position – and maturity – has increased. His awareness of global issues is key to his understanding of his role in the monarchy and the world around us.
Of course he will be acutely aware of the sensitivity of such a diplomatic mission and not be immune to criticism of traveling to the kingdom that stands charged with a catalogue of human rights abuses and further accusations of “sportswashing”, such as investing in events such as the World Cup, which it will host in 2034.
However, one must be able to distinguish between the role of the royals compared to our elected politicians. The UK Government has previously raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and in 2020 sanctioned 20 Saudi nationals involved in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Sir Keir Starmer has also been accused of putting efforts to kickstart economic growth above human rights concerns, such as when he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2024. But as we have seen with the delicately handled State Visits of President Trump, as well as the less controversial French and German leaders in the last year, the royals play a vital role in the success of Britain on the global stage.
William – much like his father King Charles – does hold significant influence. And while such visits may seem political in nature, there is much to be gained from having them on the team.