Prince William arrived in Riyadh on Monday for a three‑day official visit aimed at tightening ties between the United Kingdom and the Gulf monarchies. On his second day, the future king stepped onto a training field where a group of teenage Saudi girls were honing their football skills.
Dressed casually, the 43‑year‑old royal swapped stories with the young athletes, gave them a few tips, and even managed to slot two balls into the net, a moment captured by local media.
Earlier in the day, William toured a major urban‑renewal site in the capital, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s push for modern infrastructure. He later attended an e‑sports tournament, highlighting the kingdom’s growing interest in digital entertainment.
According to footage released by a British news outlet, the prince’s interaction with the players was relaxed and enthusiastic, underscoring the soft‑power role sports can play in diplomacy.
On Wednesday, his itinerary includes a visit to a protected wildlife reserve and a sustainable‑farming project in the Al‑Ula oasis, signalling the UK’s focus on environmental cooperation.
Saudi‑British relations have long been underpinned by shared economic interests, especially in the energy sector. However, the partnership has faced scrutiny after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which drew international criticism of Saudi leadership.
London is currently negotiating a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which groups the six member states, including Saudi Arabia. Riyadh also expressed keen interest in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project being co‑developed by the UK, Italy and Japan.
Amid the diplomatic bustle, William’s wife, Catherine, and the prince issued a brief statement expressing deep concern over new revelations linked to the late Prince Andrew’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein affair.
British police in Windsor confirmed they are reviewing fresh information suggesting that Andrew may have shared confidential documents related to his former trade‑envoy role with the American financier in 2010. The matter adds another layer to the royal family’s ongoing challenges.