The ruler of Kuwait and his entourage have made a surprise visit to Ayrshire – and met with King Charles III.
Ayrshire Live can reveal that the former Crown Prince, now the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Saba, embarked on a visit to the region – at the personal invitation of King Charles III – and took in Dumfries House, near Cumnock, where a reception party was held.
The Emir also held discussions with King Charles and the two posed for an official photograph.
The Emir and his accompanying delegation arrived at Prestwick Airport on Tuesday, January 14 and His Highness was received at the airport by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, who represented the King.
A spokesperson for the Lord-Lieutenant said: “The welcome party included the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdullah Al-Munayekh, Constantine Innemée Executive Director – Highgrove & Partnerships, and Colin Mackenzie-Blackman Executive Director – Development, both of whom represent the King’s Foundation.”
His Highness, The Emir, was accompanied by an official delegation including Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and senior officials at the Amiri Diwan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to officials, the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal to Dumfries House, and his meeting with King Charles, represents a “significant milestone” in the journey of the relations that have spanned 125 years between the UK and Kuwait.
The spokesperson said: “This visit marks the first trip of HH the Amir to the UK since he assumed office on December 20, 2023, succeeding the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Previously, he visited the United Kingdom four times as Crown Prince.
“The visit on Tuesday, along with the exchange visits between the rulers of Kuwait and the British monarchs, reflects the strength of historical ties, mutual respect, shared interests and co-ordination on regional and global issues of common concern.”