Prince William Engages with Female Footballers in Riyadh
The Prince of Wales met with young female footballers in Riyadh on the second day of his visit to Saudi Arabia. During his visit, Prince William joined a local youth squad at a training session and learned about female participation in sports within the Gulf state.
The prince met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after arriving in the country on Monday. He is spending three days in Saudi Arabia at the request of the UK government, which aims to strengthen ties with the country's de-facto leader.
Kensington Palace reported that Prince William presented the crown prince with an England football shirt worn by captain Harry Kane. The two held a
"warm, far-ranging conversation which touched on many elements of UK-Saudi bilateral relationship".
The visit focuses on themes such as energy transition and youth development, which are key areas of progress in a nation undergoing significant transformation. The trip carries diplomatic sensitivities given Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
Support for Women’s Sports and Social Change
As patron of the English Football Association, Prince William visited Misk Sports City in Riyadh on Tuesday to meet the young players. Historically, women were barred from attending sports events in stadiums until 2018, and physical education for girls was only introduced in 2017.
Royal Family Amidst Challenges
The visit occurs during a difficult period for the Royal Family following renewed allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
During the football session in Riyadh, a reporter twice asked Prince William from the sidelines,
"Sir, to what extent do you think the Royal Family have done enough for around the Andrew-Epstein issue?"It is unclear if the prince heard the question, and he did not respond.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, issued their first public statement on the scandal on Monday, expressing they were
"deeply concerned"by the latest revelations and
"focused on the victims". King Charles and Queen Camilla have also been questioned about Andrew during recent public engagements.
Tour of Sports Boulevard and Community Engagement
Earlier on Tuesday, Prince William toured a section of the 84-mile (135km) Sports Boulevard, a network of sports facilities, green spaces, and cycling and walking paths nominated for his environmental Earthshot Prize.
He spoke with local residents who use the urban regeneration project, including Reem Alrowaili and her seven-year-old daughter, Eliana Mufti. Alrowaili, 43, shared their conversation about women's empowerment:
"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."
Prince William also met with a delegation including the mayor of Riyadh at the boulevard, which aims to become the world's largest linear park upon completion.
Context of the Visit and Human Rights Considerations
Prior to the trip, the prince was briefed on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reputation and Saudi Arabia's human rights record, which includes harsh punishments for dissent, significant restrictions on women, and criminalization of same-sex marriage.
A US intelligence report concluded that the crown prince approved the murder of exiled Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi Arabia rejected the report, describing it as
"negative, false and unacceptable", while Mohammed bin Salman denied any involvement.
The regime remains authoritarian and is led by an absolute monarchy. However, culturally, Saudi society has been opening up, and the country is striving to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence.
A royal source told the BBC that Prince William
"didn't flinch"at the government's request for the trip, adding:
"He takes his role as Prince of Wales very seriously, so when the government asks, he goes."
