The Prince of Wales has kicked off his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

The Prince of Wales began his three-day trip to Saudi Arabia this evening, where he faces his biggest diplomatic challenge yet. But William appeared unphased by the diplomatic tightrope that awaits him, as he chatted amiably to the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, who greeted him as he arrived on Saudi soil for his first official visit.

The prince, who stepped off a Royal Air Force jet onto a luxurious purple carpet that incorporates traditional Sadu weaving, spent time chatting to his host before heading to At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah where he was given a private tour by the country’s leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials MBS.

Built in the late mid-18th century, it is considered one of the largest integrated mud-brick cities in the world.

After a 25-minute look inside, the pair stood for photographs on polished sandstone slabs with the atmospherically-lit mud fort looming behind them.

The highlight of their walking tour was the crown prince showing William the Arabian Horse gallery, showcasing the heritage of purebred Arabian horses and featuring a life-size sculpture of Turfa, a mare presented by King Abdul Aziz to Britain’s King George VI as a coronation gift in 1937.

There was also a display of calligraphy and images of the Middle Eastern sport of falconry which the prince was due to be shown.

The two princes then headed inside for a private audience with William’s private secretary, Ian Patrick, the UK Ambassador to Riyadh, and members of Crown Prince Mohammed’s inner circle.

The heir to the throne is visiting Saudi at the request of the Government with the aim of highlighting the UK-Saudi bilateral relationship. “They are delighted that he’s here,” says the UK’s ambassador to Riyadh, Stephen Hitchens. “The fact that he’s a prince and the future king matters enormously. They want it to be a friendship that lasts.”

Prince William arrived for the crucial visit (Image: PA)

As the diplomatic and religious centre of the Middle East, it’s a crucial partnership due to the huge amount the country invests in the UK. It is hoped that William’s visit will help boost talks on trade, defence, energy and investment between the two countries and bolster relations between the two families for the next generation.

“The fact that he’s a prince and the future king matters enormously,” a diplomatic source said. “That really counts for them. They both want to make this work. They want it to be a friendship that lasts.”

Over the next two days, the prince will conduct engagements centred on his personal interests, such as young people, football, conservation and the environment and gaming.

When asked if Aston Villa supporter William would bring up the team’s 2-0 defeat of Saudi-owned Newcastle United’s, one of his aides said it was “unlikely”, but added: “I can imagine he’ll be bringing up Villa’s hopes in the Europa league!”

But the prince’s visit is not without its controversies, as the authoritarian leader has been accused of putting efforts to kickstart economic growth above human rights concerns.

The Prince of Wales faces a challenging diplomatic situation (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

His regime, a top down system with decisions made by less than a dozen people in MBS’s inner circle, has been accused by human rights organisations of extensive use of the death penalty, targeting people exercising their rights to freedom of expression and presiding over a culture where migrant workers face abuses.

Crown Prince Mohammed’s reputation was badly damaged by a US intelligence determination that said he ordered the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The country has undergone rapid change over the past few decades and continues to develop at pace.

William was thoroughly briefed before his trip and is aware of Saudi’s human rights record, where homosexual relationships are illegal, public protest is punished and women’s rights remain largely restricted.

A Palace source said: “What’s really important is the Prince building a really strong relationship with the Crown Prince to allow every element of our bilateral relationship to be explored.”
The heir to the throne is aware of the pressure placed upon him during this long-planned trip, as warm relations between the two Royal Families will help safeguard diplomatic relations for decades to come.

William’s visit will set a tone that diplomats, ministers and officials will be able to use in the months and years ahead, with a source reiterating the power and importance of private conversations on key topics, though the contents of those discussions will remain under wraps.