King Charles heaps praise on Prince William after bombshell Prince Harry interview

King Charles heaps praise on Prince William after bombshell Prince Harry interview The King spoke proudly about William as he hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said at the start of his state visit - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The King has shared his delight with the visiting Sultan of Oman over their sons’ friendship, speaking shortly after a bombshell interview about the royal family was published by the Duke of Sussex. During a banquet speech, Charles observed there are "few happier symbols of success" than seeing a relationship carried across generations, referring to the Prince of Wales and Sayyid Theyazin, joint patrons for an Omani expedition. The King offered proud words about William while hosting Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said during his state visit, coming hours after Harry’s GQ magazine interview was published, where he stated he "wants it to work out" with his family but claimed others "don’t want to". In his address at Windsor Castle, Charles praised Oman’s “noble efforts” in trying to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, describing it as a “great service” to the international community. William and Theyazin sat together among 160 guests, who included Camilla, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and senior Cabinet members, as they enjoyed a Scottish crab and langoustine starter, Windsor pheasant main and baked Alaska for dessert. The King told the Sultan: “Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons, the Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition.” The two royal heirs were the figureheads of the expedition, a 30-day journey on foot, by camel and by 4×4 staged last year through Oman, following the route of British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928. Charles added: “Your Majesty, there can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next.” Oman is a key Middle East ally of the UK and the visit comes as the United States’ war against Iran continues, with the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, close to the coast of Oman, a key pinch point. The King spoke in Arabic, quoting poetry in an ancient form of the language and modern Arabic to greet the Sultan with the words “Welcome to a visitor of whom one never tires”. He also delivered his thoughts on the future: “Your Majesty, neither of us can know precisely what challenges our successors will face. Despite our constant efforts, climate change will regrettably alter the lands and seas they inherit. “Artificial intelligence holds both promise and peril – unless managed with great wisdom and foresight. Competition for resources will test the international order in ways we cannot yet foresee. “But this much we do know: our successors will rely on trusted friends. They will need allies prepared to work together across difference; to defend peace and international law; to marry innovation with stewardship; and to think not merely about the next year, but about generations to come.” Guests at the banquet were offered an after-dinner drink inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa – traditionally shared as a gesture of hospitality – reimagined for the occasion. Royal chefs adapted Kahwa, usually an aromatic spiced Arabic coffee, using British teas and Windsor honey, with diners served Earl Grey and date, an iced mint and rose, and a warm cardamom-spiced blend sweetened with honey. Harry’s interview was released minutes after the Sultan’s three-day state visit began with a formal welcome by Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, a carriage ride through Windsor and a military display of pomp and pageantry, all months in the planning and likely to be overshadowed by the interview. Though William and Harry remain estranged, a representative for the duke maintained the remarks were not a "swipe" at his brother, despite likely interpretations by some royal commentators. Harry also spoke about the health of his father, the King, who has cancer, when asked whether having a sick parent was triggering after the traumatic death of his mother: “Yes but, you know, he’s getting better.” The Sultan is due to hold talks with Mr Burnham on Wednesday after the two leaders spoke during the summer when they reportedly discussed efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments