Warmth as Duke holds historic talks in China

THE DUKE of Cambridge has held historic talks with the leader of China – a meeting that has turned the page on an uneasy relationship between Beijing and the Prince of Wales.

Xi Jinping, from the Communist party leadership once derided by William’s father Charles as “appalling old waxworks”, shook hands warmly with the Duke when they met in Beijing.

It is the first time a senior member of the Royal Family has visited China in almost 30 years and opened up the prospect of the heir to the throne making a trip to Beijing.

During their meeting Mr Xi praised the British monarchy’s positive role in UK/China relations and extended an open invitation to the Royal Family to come to his country.

The meeting staged in the imposing Great Hall Of The People even saw the two men discussing their mutual interest in football and China’s leader congratulate William and his pregnant wife Kate on their second child, due next month.

As they sat in a large marbleclad room, speaking through an interpreter, Mr Xi told William: “The British Royal Family holds great influence not just in the UK but across the world.

“Over the years the Royal Family has shown great interest in, and support for, Chinese/UK relations. And members of the Royal Family have... contributed positively to (the) changes and co-operation between our two countries in areas ranging from trade to environment protection ... and cultural exchanges.”

The Chinese leader, who is married to a famous Chinese folk singer, added: “I know this is your Royal Highness’ first visit to China. In China we have two sayings; first, hearing about something is not as good as seeing it.

“And the second saying is hearing about something 100 times is not the same as seeing it once. So I very much welcome your Royal Highness and other members of the Royal Family to make (a) visit to China and see more parts of China.”