Victoria and David Beckham Grace Buckingham Palace Banquet in Honor of Qatar’s Emir

The couple joins a royal evening celebrating diplomacy amid notable absences and humanitarian discussions.

Victoria and David Beckham added a touch of star power to a regal evening at Buckingham Palace on December 3, 2024, as they attended a state banquet honoring Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. The event, a cornerstone of Britain’s diplomatic calendar, was hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

A Royal First for David Beckham

Marking his debut at a state banquet, David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, were among an exclusive group of guests, including politicians, diplomats, and celebrities, at the lavish affair. Known for their longstanding connection with the British royal family—both have been named Officers of the Order of the British Empire—the Beckhams’ attendance was reportedly a surprise addition to the evening.

In October, David Beckham demonstrated his philanthropic ties to the royals by joining Prince William at a fundraiser for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.

The Royal Welcome

The emir and his wife’s three-day visit, which concluded Wednesday, began with a ceremonial welcome at the Horse Guards Parade. Prince William and Princess Kate accompanied the Qatari royals to the event, where King Charles offered a formal greeting. The procession then moved to Buckingham Palace, where the guests enjoyed a private lunch with Queen Camilla.

However, the banquet and other festivities were marked by notable absences. Queen Camilla, recovering from a chest infection, attended only select portions of the event. Similarly, Princess Kate, 42, who has been gradually resuming royal duties after completing chemotherapy in September, was absent from portions of the day’s events.

Acknowledging Qatar’s Diplomatic Role

King Charles III, 76, who is also reportedly battling cancer, used his address to commend Qatar’s diplomatic efforts. “Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance, and diplomatic efforts are, quite simply, beyond compare,” he remarked, acknowledging the emir’s role in mediating a Gaza ceasefire and facilitating a hostage release deal.

Mixed Reactions to the Visit

Despite the evening’s grandeur, the emir’s state visit drew criticism from some advocacy groups, including Human Rights Watch. The organization highlighted ongoing concerns over Qatar’s male guardianship laws, discrimination against women, and LGBTQ+ rights. Yasmine Ahmed, Human Rights Watch’s U.K. director, criticized the royal reception, stating, “The king is rolling out the red carpet for the emir of Qatar even though he leads a country where discriminatory laws persist.”

A Tradition of Diplomacy

State visits, held semiannually in summer and winter, aim to foster international relationships. As part of his visit, the emir also addressed both chambers of the Houses of Parliament.

A Night of Grandeur and Reflection

The Buckingham Palace banquet underscored the complex interplay of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and ongoing challenges on the global stage. For the Beckhams, it was a night of glamour and significance, contributing to Britain’s efforts to maintain strong ties with Qatar amidst international scrutiny.