Prince William takes ‘last-minute flight’ to Kuwait on behalf of the king after the tragic death of the country’s emir

The Prince of Wales is reportedly taking a last-minute flight to Kuwait on behalf of his father, King Charles.

The royal, 41, is said to be traveling to express his condolences to the nation following the death of the ruling emir – 86-year-old Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who passed away earlier this week – according to the Mirror.

The outlet also says that Prince William will also be joined by Secretary of State David Cameron.

In 2019, the father-of-three made a four-day visit to the Middle Eastern country – and Oman – to honor the historic ties between Britain and the Gulf states.

The tour had added significance when it fell during the 120th anniversary year of the signing of the 1899 Treaty of Friendship between Kuwait and Britain.

News of the emir’s death came earlier this week. Kuwait TV broke programming with verses from the Koran just before the announcement.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital due to an unspecified illness.

Since then, the small, oil-rich country has been waiting for news about his health.

State News previously reported that he traveled to the United States in March 2021 for unspecified medical checks.

In a statement, David Cameron said: ‘It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

“He leaves behind a great legacy – the result of a long and distinguished career at the Ministry of the Interior, as Minister of Defense, Crown Prince and later as Amir.

“His contribution to regional stability, his personal commitment to global development and his work to bridge the divide between countries will be long remembered. I extend my deepest condolences to Kuwait and its people at this sad time.”

The health of Kuwait’s leaders remains a sensitive issue in the Middle East, bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, where internal power struggles have taken place behind palace doors.

News of the emir’s death came earlier this week. Kuwait TV broke programming with verses from the Koran just before the announcement. In the photo 2014

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as Emir following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, in 2020.

The breadth and depth of emotions over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was palpable across the region.

Sheikh Nawaf previously served as Kuwait’s interior and defense minister, but was not seen as particularly active in government outside those terms.

However, he was largely an uncontroversial choice for emir, although his increasing age led analysts to suggest that his tenure would be short-lived.

Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, is considered the world’s oldest crown prince. He is about to take power as ruler of Kuwait.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital due to an unspecified illness. Since then, the small, oil-rich country has been waiting for news about his health

In 2020, King Charles – then the Prince of Wales – traveled to Kuwait to offer his condolences following the death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Pictured: Charles with Sheikh Sabah at Clarence House in 2016

In 2019, William made a four-day visit to the Middle East – and Oman – to honor the historic ties between Britain and the Gulf states. Pictured smiling with Sheikh Ali al-Jarrah al-Sabah

Kuwait, a country of about 4.2 million people and slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, has the sixth largest known oil reserves in the world.

The country has been a staunch ally of the US since the 1991 Gulf War ousted Saddam Hussein’s occupying Iraqi forces.

Kuwait hosts approximately 13,500 U.S. troops in the country, as well as the forward headquarters of the U.S. military in the Middle East.

In 2020, King Charles – then the Prince of Wales – traveled to Kuwait to offer his condolences following the death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

He had expressed his condolences on behalf of the late queen, who was also said to be ‘saddened’ when she heard of his death. He added that she highly valued his friendship with Britain and praised the late emir’s humanitarian work.