Prince William Discusses Women’s Empowerment in Saudi Trip — and Even Gets an Unexpected Treat
The Prince met local women in Riyadh to discuss reforms.
Prince William arrived in Riyadh this week for his first official visit to Saudi Arabia, a trip aimed at strengthening the diplomatic ties and highlighting areas of social reform within the kingdom. The Prince of Wales is to play an important role in UK–Saudi relations. In the Saudi capital, William met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for dinner before touring the city’s ambitious Sports Boulevard project. He also took a keen interest in women's empowerment while talking to the locals.
During a stop at a popular café, he spoke with residents, including Reem Alrowaili and her seven-year-old daughter, Eliana Mufti, who presented him with three grape-flavored lollipops for his children. Alrowaili later described their conversation-- “We were talking about the changes and women’s empowerment. I am 43 years old. I lived the old days where we were not allowed to do anything, and now I’m really happy for my daughter because she will experience the good life, the better life.” Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping reforms in recent years. Since 2018, women have been allowed to drive and can now travel, work, and obtain passports without a male guardian’s permission.
The Prince of Wales spent part of his Saudi visit meeting young female footballers in Riyadh, where he joined a local youth squad during a training session. William spoke with the players about the growing participation of women and girls in sports across the kingdom, the BBC reported. According to Kensington Palace, the Prince presented his host with an England football shirt worn by captain Harry Kane. The two leaders then held what officials described as a “warm, far-ranging conversation which touched on many elements of [the] UK-Saudi bilateral relationship.”
However, the trip was not without its own share of hiccups. As William watched schoolgirls play football at Misk Sports City, the controversy surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein reemerged. A reporter travelling with the royal party twice called out, “Sir, to what extent do you think the Royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?” It was unclear whether the Prince heard the question clearly. Standing some distance away from the media, he did not respond and continued walking off the pitch.
The exchange came just hours after Kensington Palace sought to address the matter before the tour began. On the eve of the visit, a spokesperson speaking to the travelling media on behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales said, “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Buckingham Palace later issued a separate and more strongly worded statement from the King. A Palace spokesman said, “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct.” The statement added, “While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect.”
