Introduction to the Visit
"He didn't flinch when the request came in."
These words come from a royal source when asked whether Prince William exhibited any hesitation regarding the UK government's request for him to visit Saudi Arabia.
"He takes his role as Prince of Wales very seriously, so when the government asks, he goes,"the source explained.
However, this upcoming trip—Prince William's first official visit to Saudi Arabia—presents a complex diplomatic challenge.
Unlike his previous official visits to Estonia, Poland, Brazil, and South Africa, which were less sensitive, Saudi Arabia represents a significantly different diplomatic environment.
Focus and Context of the Visit
Arriving on Monday, the visit will concentrate on energy transition and youth engagement, critical areas as Saudi Arabia undergoes substantial transformation.
Prince William will encounter a Saudi Arabia markedly different from the one his grandmother visited during her seven-decade reign. While the regime remains authoritarian and governed by an absolute monarchy, the society has been opening culturally, and the country is actively seeking to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency.
Saudi Arabia's Cultural and Economic Developments
The kingdom has expanded its portfolio of high-profile entertainment and sporting events. These include the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which last year featured a predominantly male lineup of renowned comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr.
Other significant events on the calendar include the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, the Saudi Formula One Grand Prix, and the upcoming hosting of the men's FIFA World Cup in 2034, one of the most prestigious sporting events globally.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized Saudi authorities for using sports and entertainment to improve their international image despite ongoing human rights concerns. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has stated that he "doesn't care" about such labels as long as these events benefit the Saudi economy.
Meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Meeting MBS will be a central component of Prince William's visit. As Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, MBS is a controversial figure.
Prince William will receive comprehensive briefings before the trip, including information on Saudi Arabia's human rights record, where same-sex relationships remain criminalized, and public protests and political dissent are suppressed.
He will also be informed about the status and treatment of women in Saudi Arabia. Although women have gained more freedoms in recent years—such as the right to drive granted in 2018—significant restrictions remain compared to men.
Importantly, William will be briefed on MBS's reputation and history.
Whether Prince William will address sensitive topics during his discussions with the crown prince remains undisclosed. Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the details of private conversations, but given the diplomatic sensitivities, it is likely that some difficult subjects will be raised.
He will be guided by the Foreign Office in London and the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia to navigate discussions with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for the UK.
Timing Amid Royal Family Challenges
This visit follows a difficult week for the Royal Family, as the ongoing release of Epstein files has caused further embarrassment.
The latest disclosures have intensified damage to the British royals and accelerated the relocation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from his Royal Lodge residence, where he lived for over two decades, to the Sandringham Estate.
Although this is not an ideal context for a major international trip, sources indicate that Saudi Arabia was the UK government's top priority, aiming to strengthen relations with MBS.
"He is a diplomatic secret weapon – a formidable tool for the government to deploy,"a source remarked.
Prince William's Role and Saudi Arabia's Transition
Prince William, who has expressed his vision for a modern monarchy, is visiting a country in transition.
"Saudi Arabia has been opening up massively over the past decade,"said Dr. Neil Quilliam from the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, an international think tank.
"This younger generation of policymakers are much more transactional than their forefathers, there is greater competition for Saudi investment in the UK,"he added.
"The Saudis really like and appreciate being recognised and deploying Prince William sends a signal that says we really value you."
Controversies and Human Rights Concerns
Despite the positive developments, images of Prince William with MBS may be difficult for many to accept.
A 2021 US intelligence report concluded that the Saudi crown prince authorized the murder of exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
The report, released by the Biden administration, stated that MBS approved a plan to either "capture or kill" Khashoggi.
Saudi Arabia rejected the report, labeling it "negative, false and unacceptable," and MBS has denied involvement in the murder.
While Saudi Arabia pursues modernization, its authorities maintain a harsh stance toward critics both domestically and internationally.
In January, a UK court ordered Saudi Arabia to pay Ghanem al-Masarir damages exceeding £3 million.
Al-Masarir, a London-based YouTuber and satirist, had used his platform to criticize the Saudi regime. He testified that he was followed, assaulted, and had his phone bugged by agents acting on behalf of the kingdom, resulting in psychological harm.
Despite his experiences, al-Masarir supports Prince William's visit but urges the future king to be candid.
"I understand why he is going - to strengthen Saudi-UK relations. I have no problem with him going… Prince William has a privileged place and opportunity to speak to Mohammed bin Salman,"al-Masarir stated.
"But to see them up there shaking hands - it is not real,"he continued.
"Prince William will be standing next to a guy, who we know the CIA has said ordered the killing of Khoshaggi… it's something you cannot comprehend."
Global Leaders and Saudi Relations
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's human rights record have not deterred world leaders from engaging with MBS. Prince William joins a distinguished list of visitors.
Recent guests include US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the UK's own Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Even Joe Biden, who initially vowed to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" over human rights concerns, visited Jeddah in 2022 amid criticism to meet the crown prince.
This situation exemplifies the dilemma of engaging with countries whose leadership may conflict with one's values.
The British Royal Family has traditionally managed this by fostering relationships and strong ties, thereby facilitating government efforts to address sensitive issues. This represents the soft power of monarchy.
Historical Ties Between Royal Families
This visit also symbolizes the connection between two royal families.
King Charles, Prince William's father, has frequently visited Saudi Arabia both publicly and privately and maintains a cordial relationship with the current generation of Saudi royals.
"King Charles loves the desert and he spends a lot of time there in Saudi Arabia, painting and looking at the wildlife and likes the beauty,"a former senior British diplomat to Saudi Arabia shared.
"There is a special link between the two royal families… there is affection between the two Kingdoms and a lot of shared history."
Prince William's Development as a Global Statesman
This visit represents another step in Prince William's evolution as a global statesman.
His role will be to facilitate and strengthen relationships in a region of significant strategic importance to the United Kingdom.
Additional reporting by Myranda Mowafi.
