In a strategic move to bolster Britain’s economic ties with the oil-rich Gulf states, the UK government is deploying the soft power of the royal family to charm the region’s autocratic leaders. The crown jewel of this diplomatic offensive is the first state visit under Keir Starmer’s Labour government, as King Charles prepares to welcome Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife to Buckingham Palace.
The royal reception for Qatar’s ruler is just one facet of an orchestrated campaign involving the House of Windsor and government ministers to court the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The endgame, according to insiders, is to seal a free trade agreement with the GCC that could propel Britain’s £57 billion annual trade with the bloc to new heights.
Leveraging Historic Ties for Economic Gain
The British monarchy’s long-standing relationships with the Gulf’s royal families are seen as a key asset in greasing the wheels of diplomacy and commerce. Many Gulf leaders were educated in the UK, share aristocratic pastimes like horse racing, and have a history of parking their petrodollars in British investments.
“In the Gulf, the historic ties between the all-powerful monarchies and the House of Windsor can be very useful,” noted a regional expert. The red-carpet treatment for Qatar’s emir, fresh off his country’s controversial hosting of the FIFA World Cup, underscores the UK’s eagerness to tap into the tiny nation’s vast sovereign wealth.
A Royal Roadshow Across the Gulf
The royal charm offensive has been in full swing in recent weeks:
- King Charles bestowed a knighthood on Bahrain’s monarch last month during a Windsor Castle visit
- Prince William co-hosted Oman’s crown prince in London to launch an expedition showcasing the sultanate’s natural wonders
- Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie made appearances at conferences in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar
Prime Minister Starmer himself is slated to travel to the UAE and Saudi Arabia later this month, capitalizing on the goodwill generated by the royal appearances.
Balancing Trade and Human Rights Concerns
Yet even as the UK pursues closer economic ties with the Gulf, human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over the autocratic nature of these regimes. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International are urging the government to use this week’s high-profile meetings to press for reforms on issues like labor rights, women’s equality, and freedom of expression.
“It’s important that Qatar’s poor human rights record isn’t overlooked during the pomp and ceremony of this visit.”
– Polly Truscott, Amnesty International UK
The challenge for Starmer’s government will be striking a balance between securing lucrative trade and investment deals while still advocating for democratic values and human rights. Some critics argue that dispatching the royal family to cozy up to authoritarian leaders sends the wrong message.
As one activist put it: “No one is suggesting the royal family shouldn’t promote Britain’s interests abroad. But they should be clear about the costs of celebrating some of the world’s worst human rights abusers.”
Seeking a Middle East Breakthrough
Beyond the immediate trade incentives, UK officials also hope to leverage their Gulf ties to make diplomatic headway on the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With their clout and deep pockets, countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are seen as potential mediators who could help break the deadlock and pave the way for a lasting Middle East peace deal—a prize that has eluded Western leaders for decades.
As the royal roadshow plays out against a backdrop of glittering banquets and billion-dollar business deals, Keir Starmer’s government faces a delicate balancing act. Securing an economic windfall from the Gulf will require deft diplomacy and a willingness to hold its nose when it comes to human rights. For the UK, still adjusting to the post-Brexit landscape, the stakes couldn’t be higher as it seeks to redefine its place in a rapidly shifting global order.
Beyond the immediate trade incentives, UK officials also hope to leverage their Gulf ties to make diplomatic headway on the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With their clout and deep pockets, countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are seen as potential mediators who could help break the deadlock and pave the way for a lasting Middle East peace deal—a prize that has eluded Western leaders for decades.
As the royal roadshow plays out against a backdrop of glittering banquets and billion-dollar business deals, Keir Starmer’s government faces a delicate balancing act. Securing an economic windfall from the Gulf will require deft diplomacy and a willingness to hold its nose when it comes to human rights. For the UK, still adjusting to the post-Brexit landscape, the stakes couldn’t be higher as it seeks to redefine its place in a rapidly shifting global order.
