Why Prince William’s trip to Saudi Arabia is a diplomatic maze

Prince William is preparing for his first official visit to Saudi Arabia, a trip that comes with significant diplomatic complexities. Unlike his previous visits to countries such as Estonia, Poland, Brazil, and South Africa, the Saudi trip poses unique challenges due to the kingdom’s political and cultural context. The visit, scheduled to begin on Monday, will center on key themes such as energy transition and youth engagement, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and modernize society.

The Saudi Arabia that Prince William will see today contrasts markedly with the nation his grandmother knew during her long reign. While the kingdom remains an absolute monarchy under an authoritarian regime, it has been opening up culturally and expanding its portfolio of international events. These include the Riyadh Comedy Festival, the Red Sea International Film Festival, and the Saudi Formula One Grand Prix. The country is also set to host the men’s football World Cup in 2034, marking a major milestone for Saudi sports and global engagement. However, human rights organizations have criticized the Saudi leadership for utilizing these events to detract attention from ongoing human rights abuses.

A significant aspect of the visit will be the prince’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler and a highly controversial figure. While the Crown Prince promotes economic modernization, his record on human rights issues remains under scrutiny. Prince William is expected to be thoroughly briefed ahead of the trip on the kingdom’s record, including the criminalization of same-sex relationships, restrictions on public protest, and the status of women. Although it is uncertain whether these difficult topics will be raised directly during private discussions, sources indicate that William will be guided by the Foreign Office and the British Embassy to ensure that diplomatic conversations focus on achieving positive outcomes.

The timing of Prince William’s visit also comes amid a challenging period for the British Royal Family, as recent revelations have cast a shadow over their public standing. Nonetheless, officials describe the prince as a “diplomatic secret weapon,” uniquely positioned to serve the UK government’s objectives of strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia. His role as Prince of Wales carries considerable weight in such diplomatic efforts, and the government sees his involvement as crucial to navigating the complexities of this important international relationship

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