The Royal Family welcomed the Amir of Qatar and and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, to the U.K. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. After attending a welcome ceremony, King Charles hosted a state banquet in honor of Qatar at Buckingham Palace, and was joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, and sister Princess Anne. And, somewhat surprisingly, the Princess Royal very nearly broke royal protocol at a significant moment during the state dinner.
At the banquet, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was sat next to Princess Anne on one side, with King Charles on the other. When it was time to toast the royal guests, King Charles and the Amir of Qatar clinked their glasses, but Princess Anne absent-mindedly almost took a sip from her glass, People reported, citing video footage of the moment courtesy of Sky News via X. Luckily, Anne seemed to realize her mistake before drinking anything, and when the Amir of Qatar turned to her, she was able to clink glasses with him.
Princess Anne laughs while talking to the Amir of Qatar and King Charles.
Princess Anne arrives at Buckingham Palace alongside the Amir of Qatar.
The white tie banquet at Buckingham Palace was a star-studded affair. While Princess Kate was absent, as she's making a slow return to duties following cancer treatment, two unexpected celebrities put in an appearance.
Posh Spice herself, Victoria Beckham, and her accomplished husband, David Beckham, were invited to the glitzy evening dinner. David's role as an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022 garnered him an invite to the Royal Family's celebration.
For the important occasion, David wore a black tuxedo with a waistcoat and bow tie. Meanwhile, his fashion designer wife wore a long-sleeved black dress from her own label, which was made from a shiny stretch jersey fabric and retails for $1,490.
Victoria and David Beckham arrive at the state banquet.
Despite missing the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton joined King Charles and Prince William to welcome the Amir of Qatar upon his arrival at the Palace. The Prince and Princess of Wales engaged in some subtle PDA at the morning event, with William gently placing his hand on Kate's shoulder, according to reports.
Princess Kate's next public appearance will be at her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on the evening of Dec. 5. It's expected that Kate and William's three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will join their parents at the festive event.
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Here's Where Textured Hair Education in America Stands in 2025Meet the leaders behind the movement for more equitable hair care.
-
Princess Beatrice Is Set to Make an Unexpected International Appearance Just Weeks Before Her Due DateThe pregnant royal recently canceled plans to spend Christmas in Italy after doctors allegedly advised her not to travel.
-
This Royal Admits She Took Etiquette Lessons From a 'Downton Abbey' Advisor"I've asked him questions every single day, from how do you pick up that stem, how do you lay your knife and fork in between eating, everything."
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
King Charles "Never" Declared He Wanted a Slimmed-Down Monarchy, Per Royal Biographer"There was no specific plan," author Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire.'
-
Zara Tindall Was Nearly Trampled by a Horse in Terrifying Near-Miss Just Months After Mother Princess Anne's InjuryQueen Elizabeth's granddaughter narrowly escaped major injury.
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Meghan Markle’s Dad Said He’s “Incredibly Grateful” to King Charles for Walking Meghan Down the Aisle at Her Wedding"I wish her no ill-will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together."
-
The Surprising Hobby Meghan Markle Shares With Princess Kate, King Charles and Queen Camilla Revealed in 'With Love, Meghan' TrailerWe're buzzing over this one.
