ShareKUWAIT: The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, expressed his delight at visiting Kuwait for the first time as the two nations continue to celebrate 125 years of diplomatic relations and look ahead to marking 250 years of trading ties in 2025. The remarks were made during his visit to the British Embassy yesterday afternoon, followed by a reception in his honor.
Highlighting the strong historical and contemporary connections between the UK and Kuwait, the Princess Edward remarked, “Our cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including defense — with the UK standing by Kuwait during the First Gulf War and continuing to collaborate closely to this day — and education, a field I hold dear as patron of the Duke of Edinburgh Award initiated by my late father, Prince Philip.”
Emphasizing the enduring bond between the two nations, the Duke added, “At its very heart, our relationship is built on the links between our peoples, our shared values, and our mutual respect for each other’s cultures. This is what has united us in the past and what makes me confident that we will continue to enjoy a close, friendly partnership for many years to come.” British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, described the visit as an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic ties between the two nations, rooted in the enduring friendship between their Royal and Ruling Families. She noted the privilege of engaging with Kuwait’s leadership and hearing from young people making impactful contributions to society.
The ambassador also reflected on a visit to Dickson House, which she said brought the nations’ shared diplomatic history to life. She highlighted the importance of the garden reception in honoring groups that actively strengthen bilateral relations and support the British community in Kuwait. The Duke’s visit concluded with a dinner hosted by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs. The evening evoked memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1979 State Visit to Kuwait Towers.
During the dinner, the Duke met representatives from the Kuwait Olympic Committee, the Youth Public Authority, and the Public Authority for Sport, as well as several youth leaders, including recipients of the Kuwait Award for Youth Excellence and Creativity. A passionate advocate for youth development, the Duke discussed ways to deepen connections between young people in Kuwait and the UK, emphasizing the importance of nurturing opportunities for future generations to achieve their full potential.
