The Prince of Wales has landed in Saudi Arabia to begin a three-day visit which will take in the capital Riyadh and the historic desert city of Al Ula.
Prince William touched down at King Khalid International Airport, where he was met at the Royal Terminal by Riyadh’s deputy governor, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, and walked a 150m purple carpet that had been rolled out for the occasion.
The visit comes just hours after Kensington Palace released a statement saying the Prince and Princess of Wales are "deeply concerned" about the recent allegations in the so-called "Epstein files", released last week.
In a statement ahead of Prince William's visit, a spokesman told travelling media: "I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
The Crown Prince showed his guest around the 18th-century site – a Najdi mud-brick city which is also home to the Salwa Palace, the seat of power during the first Saudi State. The two Princes will have a private audience, followed by dinner at the At Turaif Palace.
Both heirs are likely to serve as monarchs for their respective countries for decades to come and their relationship is seen as key to strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations, with sources saying it was the Government’s “number one ask” of him for 2026.
William has discussed his visit with the King, who has made 12 official visits to Saudi. Highlights of the trip include a visit to MISK Sports City, where he will meet women footballers, and Boulevard City, where he will attend an E-Sports tournament.
In the desert city of Al Ula, he will meet rangers at the Sharaan Nature Reserve to hear how they are protecting and reintroducing native species, including gazelles, the Arabian oryx and acacia woodlands, along with their work to bring back the critically endangered Arabian Leopard.
He will also help paint a wall in the new “Prince of Wales House” in the Old Town, a new British cultural space, before visiting Al Ula’s Oasis and Eco-Gardening Farm.













