King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing to conclude one of their most challenging years with a dash of Royal splendour, as they gear up to host their second state visit of the year in December.

The King, 75, and Queen, 77, are scheduled to welcome the Amir of Qatar and his first wife and consort on December 3 and December 4, Buckingham Palace has confirmed – less than a year since the King publicly announced his cancer battle.

While specifics about the visit from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani remain under wraps, it’s expected that a grand banquet will be part of the itinerary, as is tradition for visiting dignitaries.

These banquets are usually one of the rare white tie events attended by the royals each year – with many of the Royal women bringing out their tiaras for the event.

The state visit will also symbolise a significant end to what has undoubtedly been one of the most taxing years the Royal family has endured in recent history, with 2024 witnessing both King Charles and Princess Kate being diagnosed with undisclosed types of cancer, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York battling skin cancer just a year after overcoming breast cancer – and Princess Anne recovering from a severe horse riding accident earlier this summer.

The visit is scheduled just a month after King Charles and Camilla return from their tour of Australia and Samoa. The King has delayed his cancer treatment to undertake the overseas journey, accompanied by two of his doctors.

It remains uncertain which members of the Royal family will be present to support the King and Queen during the Amir’s visit. In the past, Prince William and Kate Middleton have often played key roles, such as welcoming guests and accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade, near Buckingham Palace, reports OK!.

Earlier this year, the royals welcomed Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during their official UK visit in June. Unfortunately, Princess Kate was too ill to assist at the time, but Prince William ensured everything ran smoothly in her absence.

Fortunately, Kate seems to be recovering well. On October 10, she and Prince William visited the families of three children killed in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, and praised the first responders who courageously attended the scene.

It is thought that she plans to attend the Remembrance Sunday commemorations on November 10.