Kensington Palace Confirms Princess of Wales's Limited Role in Qatari State Visit
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, will not attend next month’s highly anticipated State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace has confirmed. The event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla for the Qatari royals, marks the last state banquet at the palace for the next three years due to major refurbishment works.
While Kate will miss the glittering Tuesday evening banquet, she will participate in other parts of the Qatari state visit. Joining Prince William, she will greet The Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in London. The couple will accompany the Qatari royals to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome before King Charles and Queen Camilla formally receive them at the Royal Pavilion.
Royal commentator Cameron Walker shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), confirming Kate’s absence from the banquet, saying, “Kensington Palace has confirmed The Princess will not attend the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace next Tuesday evening.”
The decision follows Kate’s recent completion of cancer treatment over the summer. While she resumed royal engagements, her health remains a priority. Kate last played a key role in a state visit during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s trip in November 2022 but missed the Japanese Emperor and Empress's visit earlier this year due to her treatment.
This banquet is set to be the final one at Buckingham Palace until its £369 million refurbishment is complete, with Windsor Castle taking over future state visits. Despite her absence from the banquet, Kate’s continued involvement underscores her dedication to royal duties as she also prepares for her annual Christmas Carol Service on December 6.
