Prince William begins visit to Gulf in Kuwait on trip focusing on education and military relations
The UK’s Duke of Cambridge has landed in Kuwait to begin a visit that will focus on education, military links and the environment.
Travelling solo, Prince William arrived at Kuwait International Airport last night. He will later visit Oman.
On the trip requested by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Prince William “will take in both countries’ unique cultures, their beautiful landscapes, and diverse communities” Kensington Palace said.
The journey marks the first royal visit since his uncle, Prince Andrew, stepped aside after scrutiny over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince William will visit Kuwait City and Muscat, but will also venture out into Kuwait’s deserts and Oman’s wadis to learn more about how the countries protect their unique natural environments.
The duke will take part in celebrations for the 120th anniversary of the signing of the 1899 Treaty of Friendship between Kuwait and the UK.
Prince William plans to meet some teenagers from the region, and visit organisations working to educate and empower young people through projects that provide opportunities to help them develop life skills such as leadership and resilience.
Before leaving the UK yesterday, the duke backed a cyber bullying prevention app, saying it “can only be a good thing for children’s digital well-being and mental health”.
The trip will also take in the UK’s military links with the two nations, including joining Kuwaiti and UK troops on a Desert Warrior Exercise. Later in Musandam in Oman, he will earn about how the Royal Navy of Oman is monitoring traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait has come into focus for the UK’s military after the seizure of a British-flagged tanker by Iran in July.
The Stena Impero was detained for two months while travelling through the busy, shipping lane and eventually released on September 27.