Prince William in Saudi Arabia on Official Three-Day Visit to Strengthen UK-Saudi Relations
The Prince of Wales is undertaking his first overseas tour of 2026 at the British government’s invitation, focusing on diplomacy, youth engagement and cultural and economic cooperation
Prince William is in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit that was requested by the United Kingdom government as part of efforts to deepen strategic and bilateral ties with one of Britain’s key Middle Eastern partners.
The Prince of Wales, on his first overseas tour of 2026, arrived in Riyadh on February 9 and has since taken part in a series of engagements with Saudi leaders and communities aimed at reinforcing cooperation in areas such as cultural exchange, economic reform, environmental sustainability and sport.
His itinerary has included a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at At-Turaif in Diriyah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as discussions with regional officials about projects linked to urban development and sustainability.
William’s programme also features meetings with young Saudis, visits to initiatives supporting women’s sport and e-sports, and engagement with environmental and heritage projects, reflecting long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia that span more than eight decades.
In addition, the Prince has spotlighted developments such as Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard, a large-scale urban regeneration project that has been recognised in connection with his Earthshot Prize.
The visit, which parallels other recent senior UK government trips to Saudi Arabia, underscores London’s interest in expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation on trade, investment and cultural exchange, even as the trip has drawn public attention amidst broader royal family news.
Kensington Palace has signalled that the engagements are intended to promote closer relations, highlight shared interests and provide opportunities for dialogue on issues of mutual importance between the two nations.
The Prince of Wales, on his first overseas tour of 2026, arrived in Riyadh on February 9 and has since taken part in a series of engagements with Saudi leaders and communities aimed at reinforcing cooperation in areas such as cultural exchange, economic reform, environmental sustainability and sport.
His itinerary has included a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at At-Turaif in Diriyah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as discussions with regional officials about projects linked to urban development and sustainability.
William’s programme also features meetings with young Saudis, visits to initiatives supporting women’s sport and e-sports, and engagement with environmental and heritage projects, reflecting long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia that span more than eight decades.
In addition, the Prince has spotlighted developments such as Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard, a large-scale urban regeneration project that has been recognised in connection with his Earthshot Prize.
The visit, which parallels other recent senior UK government trips to Saudi Arabia, underscores London’s interest in expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation on trade, investment and cultural exchange, even as the trip has drawn public attention amidst broader royal family news.
Kensington Palace has signalled that the engagements are intended to promote closer relations, highlight shared interests and provide opportunities for dialogue on issues of mutual importance between the two nations.
