WINDSOR: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, did not attend Tuesday evening’s Oman state banquet at Windsor Castle. However, she joined Prince Edward at an earlier reception for the visiting delegation.
During the daytime engagement, the couple welcomed the sultan, his family and delegation members in the Green Drawing Room. They viewed items assembled for a special exhibition.
Sophie also missed the Nigerian state banquet in March, making Tuesday’s dinner her second state banquet absence this year.
Her recent engagements have included the International Civil Society Action Network’s Women, Peace and Security Forum in The Hague. There, she met women peace-builders from more than 40 countries affected by conflict.
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The duchess champions the United Nations’ Women, Peace and Security agenda. In September, she also visited Zambia for a six-day programme covering women’s entrepreneurship, wildlife conservation and healthcare.
Meanwhile, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit began with a ceremonial welcome and meetings with King Charles. The Royal Household’s published schedule lists the visit as running from Tuesday until Thursday.
