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The king shared his joy with the visiting Sultan of Oman over their sons’ friendship, speaking shortly after the Duke of Sussex published an explosive interview about the royal family.
During a speech at a banquet, Charles observed that there were “few happier symbols of success” than seeing a relationship passed down through generations, referring to the Prince of Wales and Sayyid Theyazin, co-sponsors of an Omani expedition.
The king spoke proud words about William as he received Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said during his state visit, hours after the publication of Harry’s interview in GQ magazine, in which he said he “wants it to work out” with his family but claimed others “don’t want to”.
In his speech at Windsor Castle, Charles praised Oman’s “noble efforts” in trying to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, describing it as a “great service” to the international community.
William and Theyazin sat together among 160 guests, including Camilla, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and senior cabinet members, as they enjoyed a starter of Scottish crab and langoustine, a main course of Windsor and baked Alaskan pheasant for dessert.
The King told the Sultan: “Our relationship matters deeply and, in this regard, I was particularly delighted to see our sons, the Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become co-sponsors of the Jewel of Arabia expedition. »
The two royal heirs were the figureheads of the expedition, a 30-day journey on foot, camel and 4×4 carried out last year through Oman, following the route of British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928.
Charles added: “Your Majesty, there can be no happier symbols of success than a living relationship passed down from one generation to the next. »
Oman is a key ally of the UK in the Middle East and the visit comes as the US’s war with Iran continues, with the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, near the coast of Oman, a critical point.
The king spoke in Arabic, citing poetry in an ancient form of the language and modern Arabic to greet the sultan with the words “Welcome a visitor of whom one never tires.”
He also offered his thoughts on the future: “Your Majesty, none of us can know precisely what challenges our successors will face. Despite our continued efforts, climate change will unfortunately alter the lands and seas they inherit.”
“Artificial intelligence holds both promise and peril – unless it is managed with great wisdom and foresight. Competition for resources will test the international order in ways we cannot yet predict.”
“But what we do know is that our successors will rely on trusted friends. They will need allies willing to work together across differences, to defend peace and international law, to marry innovation and management, and to think not just about next year, but about generations to come.”
Guests at the banquet were offered an after-dinner drink inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa – traditionally shared as a sign of hospitality – reinvented for the occasion.
Royal chefs adapted Kahwa, usually a spicy, aromatic Arabic coffee, using British teas and Windsor honey, with Earl Gray and iced dates, mint and rose, and a warm cardamom spice blend sweetened with honey.
Harry’s interview was published minutes after the start of the sultan’s three-day state visit, with a formal welcome from Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, a carriage ride through Windsor and a military display of pomp and pageantry, all months in the making and likely to be overshadowed by the interview.
Although William and Harry remain estranged, a representative for the Duke claimed the remarks were not a “blow” towards his brother, despite the likely interpretations of some royal commentators.
Harry also spoke about the health of his cancer-stricken father, the King, when asked if having a sick parent was a trigger after his mother’s traumatic death: “Yes but, you know, he’s getting better.”
The Sultan is due to speak with Mr Burnham on Wednesday after the two leaders held talks over the summer in which they reportedly discussed efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
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