Commentary: Prince Charles has strengthened our links in the Gulf at a vital time

Warm welcome: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Grand Mosque in Oman
Getty
Robert Jobson11 November 2016

Prince Charles's state visit to the Gulf has left many influential figures, both in the region and at home, feeling better about Britain and its place in the world.

The photographs from the tour — of a smiling Charles sword-dancing in Oman or shopping in a Bahraini souk with the Duchess of Cornwall — tell some of the story, but certainly not all of it.

For if you looked only at the images, the subtle diplomatic, business and cultural benefits could easily be lost. There is a much bigger picture at play here — the trip was a serious, complex undertaking and crucial for Britain’s interests in the area.

At a time of growing uncertainty, as the world focuses on the fallout of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections, Charles has been in the heart of the Muslim world, strengthening and reinforcing Britain’s long-standing relationships with Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

His seven-day visit has encompassed 50 engagements, four cities, five flights, numerous helicopter rides and serious talks with the most influential leaders and heads of state.

The visit is seen by Charles, the Queen and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as crucial. From my ringside seat in the press corps, I too believe it can have real power and impact.

Prince Charles and Camilla tour a Souk as part of their visit to the Middle East (Arthur Edwards/Getty Images)
Getty Images

This is exemplified by the fact that this visit could spark a Gulf-wide expansion for British companies — success which would last long after the royals have flown home and the flags and bunting have been binned.

BUT Prince Charles is not some cheap deal maker with slick patter and list of new proposals, promoting Great Britain plc like a super salesman. That is not what he does and he never has.

The Queen, at 90, has indicated she will no longer carry out long-haul trips. Charles, 68 on Monday, represents her and clearly commands respect on the international stage.

He is aware and mindful of the economic needs of a post-Brexit Great Britain, the nation he will one day reign over.

This is the Prince’s fourth visit to the region in four years, at the request of the British government, “promoting the UK’s partnership in the region in key areas such as religious tolerance, military cooperation, supporting women in leadership, creating youth opportunities, preserving cultural heritage and wildlife conservation”.

In truth it is the positive and unique long-standing relationship between our royal family — and particularly Charles — and the royal families of this region that helps so many direct and indirect opportunities to flower.

During his visit Charles opened a new welfare block at Britain’s naval facility in Manama, Bahrain and met sailors on board HMS Middleton.

The unit, built on land gifted by the government, is using wastewater treatment technology deployed by award-winning British firm Bluewater Bio, a global specialist in technologies for cost-efficient, environmentally friendly water and wastewater treatment.

Its technology will help to clean the previously polluted water at the bay, helping to conserve the mangrove forest and protect Tubli Bay from further degradation.

The firm now plans to broaden its business across the region, an expansion which will be worth millions of pounds.

Xan Morgan, Middle East director of Bluewater Bio, said: “The reality is that the visit from the Prince of Wales will be a powerful catalyst to our Gulf-wide expansion plans.”

Richard Haddon, the firm’s executive chairman, said: “We are delighted that our work at Tubli has been a resounding success and one that has exceeded the expectations of the client.

As a British-based company whose operations have been firmly established in the country for nearly 10 years, we are proud to call Bahrain our Middle East hub.

“Tubli continues to serve as a compelling showcase of our capabilities and technology, further strengthening our position both regionally and internationally. Tubli has been a true win-win project.”

Charles and Camilla’s trip to Bahrain was the final leg of a tour in which both embraced subjects close to their hearts — and some unusual photocalls.

Their first stop, Oman, produced the headline-grabbing photographs of Prince Charles wielding a 3ft sword in a ceremonial dance held to welcome the couple to the country.

IN Abu Dhabi, Camilla faced up to her fear of falcons at a world-class falconry hospital, refusing to hold one of the birds of prey but eventually allowing a young owl called Baby to hop on to her hand.

Off the coast, the Prince saw first hand the impact of conservation work on the tiny island of Bu Tinah, where he raced along in a dune buggy and took a boat tour to see important marine and coastal ecosystems.

Charles, a long-time champion of the need for environmental and business sustainability, also made a powerful address to business leaders in Dubai in which he warned there was a “very real risk” of a climate change disaster.

He told them: “We are facing what I believe is perhaps the greatest challenge ever faced by our economy and society.

“I have been finding the struggle somewhat exhausting and frustrating over the past 25 to 30 years to overcome the deniers and sceptics. If we are honest, we know all too clearly that we can’t go on as we are.”

Also in Dubai, Camilla visited patients at the new Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital, the UAE’s first dedicated children’s hospital, which has partnerships with Alder Hey in Liverpool and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Engagements in Bahrain, their final destination, have included a trip to a souk and to the country’s oldest Hindu temple.

Their trip ended today, with Charles paying homage to the fallen at a remembrance service in Manama.

The Prince, dressed in naval uniform, met senior military representatives and UK veterans before taking seat for the service and laying a wreath at the war memorial.

It was a fitting end to a highly successful state visit in which Charles, as heir to the throne, has provided a reassuring sense of stability in a changing world.@theroyaleditor

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