We've enjoyed the recent images of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, relaxing with Prince Hussein at Beit Al Urdun Palace in Amman while watching the English football team play Panama at the World Cup, and it reminded us of when William's parents visited the Gulf in 1989. Specifically, this image of Prince Charles relaxing with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed during a lavish picnic at Ghabat Raqnah Oasis in Al Ain.
The Prince and Princess of Wales watched a camel race at the Al Maqam track before travelling to the oasis. Their tour of the Gulf aimed to enhance business between the UK and the UAE, while Prince William's visit to Jordan and Palestine is meant to strengthen relations with the people of the region.
The hospitality in the region on both of these royal visits shows how pastimes such as picnics and football have the power to transcend cultures.
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