Prince William had an audience with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to conclude his first day in Saudi Arabia, amid calls for the royal to speak on the human rights issues in the country.
The Prince of Wales attended the Crown Prince’s private farm in Diriyah.
The heir to the throne is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after being appointed in 2022.
William has been urged by various human rights organisations to bring up issues during the trip.
Prince William had an audience with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to conclude his first day in Saudi Arabia, amid calls for the royal to speak on the human rights issues in the country.
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ITV has stated that any issues that may be brought up by William will be done so in “private.”
A source said about the Saudis: “They are delighted that he’s here.
“The fact that he’s a prince and the future king matters enormously. They want it to be a friendship that lasts.”
William has been urged by various human rights organisations to bring up issues during the trip.
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It is not known what was discussed during the formal talks and whether any human rights issues were broached, but in the local culture private discussions on sensitive topics are the norm rather than publicly airing disagreements.
Felix Jakens, head of campaigns at Amnesty International, said: “We’ve asked Prince William to raise the case of British national Ahmed Al Doush, who was arrested visiting Saudi Arabia on holiday in 2024, and sentenced to 10 years in prison, as he understands over tweets from 2018.
“The ordeal Ahmed has had to endure has been harrowing, and toll on his wife and four children is unimaginable. Any influence Prince William is able to exert behind closed doors could be critical in securing his release.”
ITV has stated that any issues that may be brought up by William will be done so in “private.”
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The Crown Prince has been the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a diverse and sustainable economy.
The plan was launched in 2016, with goals to attract foreign investment, empower women, innovate, and position Saudi Arabia as one of the world leaders in business and culture by 2030.
Mr Jakens added: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has aimed in part to reposition the country as a tourist hotspot.
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“But visitors should be aware that the country’s human rights record remains grim, with more people executed last year than Amnesty has ever recorded in a single year, and severe punishments for those deemed to be critical of the regime.”
The visit to the farm followed a private tour of the Unesco World Heritage Site, At-Turaif.
Prince William was given a private tour of At-Tuaif by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman earlier in the day
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At-Tuaif is an example of Najdi architecture that thrived in the 18th century.
The site is considered to be one of the largest integrated mud-brick cities in the world.
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