Starmer deploys royals to charm Gulf leaders in hopes of new trade deal

As King Charles and Prince William roll out the red carpet, human rights campaigners say they must press for reforms

The royal family is being deployed by the UK government to roll out the red carpet for the autocratic leaders of Gulf states, amid hopes of a trade deal with the oil-rich countries.

This week will see King Charles welcome the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, to Buckingham Palace – the first state visit under the new Labour government. The visit comes amid a flurry of activity involving the royal family or government ministers with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

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