Meeting with de facto ruler and football: Prince William visits Riyadh - Prince William's Saudi Arabia visit overshadowed by Epstein scandal fallout
Prince William has completed a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and taking part in cultural and sporting events. The trip, which included stops in Riyadh and Al-Ula, came as fresh allegations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal resurfaced, involving his uncle, Prince Andrew.
Back in the UK, the royal family expressed deep distress over newly released documents in the case, adding a shadow to the prince's diplomatic engagements.
The visit began on 9 February 2026, when Prince William arrived in Riyadh. He was formally received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the first official trip by a British royal heir to the kingdom in over two decades. Discussions focused on economic reforms, environmental projects, and cultural exchanges, including plans for a new 'Prince of Wales House' in Al-Ula.
During his stay, the prince toured the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district in Riyadh and explored the ancient city of Al-Ula. His schedule blended diplomacy with public engagement, from joining café patrons for casual conversations to observing a girls' football training session. He also attended an esports tournament and even showcased his own football skills, scoring two goals at a sports complex.
The trip followed years of strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Since 2018, interactions have included a Clarence House dinner with King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth, and bin Salman. More recently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer met the crown prince in December 2024, while Finance Minister Rachel Reeves secured £6.4 billion in trade deals with Gulf states in October 2025. Despite ongoing human rights concerns and UK sanctions on 20 Saudis over Jamal Khashoggi's murder, economic and political cooperation has deepened.
Yet the visit was overshadowed by renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released court documents reignited controversy, prompting King Charles III, Prince William, and Catherine to express their distress. The timing cast a difficult light on the prince's diplomatic efforts.
Prince William's visit underscored the UK's commitment to expanding trade, cultural, and environmental partnerships with Saudi Arabia. His diverse schedule—from football and esports to heritage tours—reflected broader efforts to engage with the kingdom's modernising agenda.
Meanwhile, the Epstein case continues to pose challenges for the royal family, with fresh allegations drawing public attention just as diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia reach a new phase.
