King Charles told the visiting Sultan of Oman of his delight at their sons bonding - hours after a bombshell interview with Prince Harry was aired.
In a banquet speech on Tuesday night, Charles said there can be “few happier symbols of success” than watching a relationship passed between generations – a reference to the Prince of Wales and Sayyid Theyazin, who were joint patrons of an Omani expedition.
The King spoke proudly about William as he hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said at the start of his state visit, a few hours after the publication of Harry’s GQ magazine interview, where he stated he “wants it to work out” with his family – but claimed that others “don’t want to”.
William and Harry remain estranged but a spokesperson for the duke insisted it was not a “swipe” at his brother, although it is likely to be interpreted as such by some royal commentators.
Harry also spoke about the health of his father, the King, who has cancer, when asked whether having a sick parent was triggering after the traumatic death of his mother: “Yes but, you know, he’s getting better.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA)
Oman is a key Middle East ally of the UK and the visit comes as the United States’ war against Iran continues, with the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, close to the coast of Oman, a key pinch point.
In his address at Windsor Castle, Charles praised Oman’s “noble efforts” in trying to keep the vital sea lane open, describing it as a “great service” to the international community.
William and Theyazin sat together among 160 guests, who included Camilla, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and senior Cabinet members, as they enjoyed a Scottish crab and langoustine starter, Windsor pheasant main and baked Alaska for dessert.
The King told the Sultan: “Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons, the Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition.”
William and Kate with Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said earlier in the day (Jonathan Brady/PA)
The two royal heirs were the figureheads of the expedition, a 30-day journey on foot, by camel and by 4×4 staged last year through Oman, following the route of British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928.
Charles added: “Your Majesty, there can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next.”
Harry’s interview was released minutes after the Sultan’s three-day state visit began with a formal welcome by Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, a carriage ride through Windsor and a military display of pomp and pageantry, all months in the planning and likely to be overshadowed by the interview.
The Queen on her way to Windsor Castle in the Scottish State Coach accompanied by Omani deputy prime minister for defence affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said (PA)
The King spoke in Arabic, quoting poetry in an ancient form of the language and modern Arabic to greet the Sultan with the words “Welcome to a visitor of whom one never tires”.
He also delivered his thoughts on the future: “Your Majesty, neither of us can know precisely what challenges our successors will face. Despite our constant efforts, climate change will regrettably alter the lands and seas they inherit.
“Artificial intelligence holds both promise and peril – unless managed with great wisdom and foresight. Competition for resources will test the international order in ways we cannot yet foresee.
“But this much we do know: our successors will rely on trusted friends. They will need allies prepared to work together across difference; to defend peace and international law; to marry innovation with stewardship; and to think not merely about the next year, but about generations to come.”
In his speech, the Sultan spoke about the role of his nation in the current Middle East crisis, telling Charles: “Your Majesty, in a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path; we take positions for dialogue, for understanding and for peace.
Guests at the banquet were offered an after-dinner drink inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa (Aaron Chown/PA)
“A wise nation chooses to listen. Oman has chosen to listen. And in that listening, we have found a strength that armies cannot provide.
“We seek solutions. We believe in diplomacy, in dialogue, and in the patient work of bringing nations together. This is our heritage.
“Britain has been a friend on this path, and has stood beside us in this duty, not with armies, but with wisdom.”
Guests at the banquet were offered an after-dinner drink inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa – traditionally shared as a gesture of hospitality – reimagined for the occasion.
Royal chefs adapted Kahwa, usually an aromatic spiced Arabic coffee, using British teas and Windsor honey, with diners served Earl Grey and date, an iced mint and rose, and a warm cardamom-spiced blend sweetened with honey.