Prince William - Unannounced trip shortly before Christmas
Prince William (41) is taking an unexpected trip abroad just one week before Christmas. According to consistent British media reports, Kensington Palace announced on Monday that the heir to the throne is interrupting his Christmas break and traveling to Kuwait on behalf of his father, King Charles III (75). The reason for this is the death of the 16th Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (1937-2023), who passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the age of 86. William will be accompanied on this trip by Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister David Cameron (57).
He will personally convey the condolences of the British royal family to the new head of state and half-brother of the late Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah (83). The British royals have maintained very good relations with Kuwait for decades. In the past year alone, the new emir visited the UK three times as heir to the throne: for the coronation of King Charles III in May, in August at the invitation of the government and as recently as October for a meeting with Charles.
Prince William is expected in Sandringham
The trip is also surprising, as the British royals traditionally withdraw before the festive season to spend time with their families and only attend official appointments in absolutely exceptional circumstances. Princess Charlotte's (8) and Prince Louis' (5) school has been closed since last Friday. Every year at Christmas, the royal family gathers at Sandringham in Norfolk to celebrate the festive season together. It is expected that William will travel directly to Sandringham on his return from Kuwait. On December 25, the royal family is expected to attend the Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
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- During his trip, Prince William will deliver the condolences of King Charles III to Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jabar Al-Sabah, the new head of state in Kuwait and half-brother of the late Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
- Despite interrupting his Christmas break, Prince William is expected to return to Sandringham just in time to attend the royal family's traditional Christmas celebrations at their estate in Norfolk.
- For years, the British royals have had close relations with Kuwait, as evidenced by the late Emir's frequent visits to the UK, including for the coronation of King Charles III and their most recent meeting in October.
- Prior to his unexpected trip, Prince William was set to spend Christmas with his family, including his children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who had a week-long holiday break from their school.
- On his return from Kuwait, Prince William will likely be joined by former Prime Minister David Cameron, who will accompany him on this diplomatic mission on behalf of King Charles III.
Source: www.stern.de
