Queen Rania arrives for a reception hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, on September 18, 2022. AP
Queen Rania arrives for a reception hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, on September 18, 2022. AP
Queen Rania arrives for a reception hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, on September 18, 2022. AP
Queen Rania arrives for a reception hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, on September 18, 2022. AP

Queen Rania of Jordan says Elizabeth II was 'the queen of the world'


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Jordan’s Queen Rania spoke of her admiration for Queen Elizabeth II as she arrived in London on the eve on the monarch’s state funeral.

Queen Elizabeth II dies — follow the latest news as the world mourns

Queen Rania, who has a close relationship with the British royal family, shared her “wonderful memories” of Queen Elizabeth II during an interview with ITV on Sunday.

“Despite being the most important person in the room, she always made you feel like the most important person in the room,” she said. “She just had a very gentle and subtle way about her. Her elegance wasn’t just in her appearance but in the way she lived her life.

“I just have the most wonderful memories of her,” she continued. “Throughout the years, every time I met her, I felt she was warmer and warmer. She didn’t always presume that you wanted her advice but she was very generous when you asked for it. I really looked up to her. To me, she is the queen of the world.”

Queen Rania, who wore an elegant black trouser suit for the occasion, featuring a satin bow detail, also described the “humbling” experience of witnessing Britain’s mourning first-hand.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere else you want to be at this point, it’s a monumental event,” she said. “Not only did she have an incredible impact in her lifetime, but in her passing she has unified the country. I have never seen such a sense of unity and community in this country as I see today.

“It has been humbling to see that impact and to see all the people lining up in the streets. It’s been done in such a dignified, elegant and orderly fashion. It’s a sad time but it’s also a time that has given people confidence that the foundations her majesty laid for this country are incredibly strong.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see world leaders arriving in London for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, on the eve of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. AP
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday, on the eve of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. AP
  • British Prime Minister Liz Truss arrives at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. AFP
    British Prime Minister Liz Truss arrives at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. AFP
  • Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly arrives at Buckingham Palace in London with his wife Susannah for the reception. AFP
    Britain's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly arrives at Buckingham Palace in London with his wife Susannah for the reception. AFP
  • US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill arrive for the reception. AFP
    US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill arrive for the reception. AFP
  • Mr Biden in his presidential car 'The Beast' as it drives to Buckingham Palace on Sunday. AFP
    Mr Biden in his presidential car 'The Beast' as it drives to Buckingham Palace on Sunday. AFP
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrive for the reception hosted by King Charles. AP
    French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrive for the reception hosted by King Charles. AP
  • Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and husband Heiko arrive for the reception. AP
    Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and husband Heiko arrive for the reception. AP
  • Israel's President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal arrive at Buckingham Palace. AFP
    Israel's President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal arrive at Buckingham Palace. AFP
  • Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrive at the reception hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. PA
    Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia arrive at the reception hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. PA
  • King Hamad of Bahrain arrives at the reception. AP
    King Hamad of Bahrain arrives at the reception. AP
  • Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad, Crown Prince of Kuwait, arrives at Buckingham Palace. AP
    Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad, Crown Prince of Kuwait, arrives at Buckingham Palace. AP
  • Oman's Sultan Haitham arrives at the reception. AP
    Oman's Sultan Haitham arrives at the reception. AP
  • Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan arrives for the reception. AP
    Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan arrives for the reception. AP
  • Queen Rania of Jordan arrives at Buckingham Palace with King Abdullah II (not shown). AP
    Queen Rania of Jordan arrives at Buckingham Palace with King Abdullah II (not shown). AP
  • Jordanian King Abdullah and Queen Rania arrive. AP
    Jordanian King Abdullah and Queen Rania arrive. AP
  • Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim walks into the reception hosted by Britain's King Charles. AP
    Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim walks into the reception hosted by Britain's King Charles. AP
  • Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrive at the palace. AP
    Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrive at the palace. AP
  • World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
    World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
  • World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
    World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
  • World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
    World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
  • World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
    World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
  • World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA
    World leaders and heads of state arrive for the reception at Buckingham Palace in London. PA

Queen Rania also expressed her deep condolences to the royal family, and spoke of her confidence in King Charles III as a leader.

“He has been preparing for this role his whole life,” she said. “We have known King Charles for many years and we know the man that he is. He is incredibly intelligent, very thoughtful, genuine person. Everything he does, he does from the heart. He is the person best suited for this country at this time.”

On Sunday evening, Queen Rania joined her husband, King Abdullah, and son, Crown Prince Hussein, and hundreds of other world leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and US President Joe Biden, for a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Dressed in mourning black, she wore a blazer-style dress, paired with embellished stilettos and a matching clutch bag.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the latest photos from Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

  • King Charles III in Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    King Charles III in Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. PA
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried into St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the committal service. PA
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried into St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the committal service. PA
  • The hearse arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service. Getty Images
    The hearse arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service. Getty Images
  • Flowers are seen on the hearse as it arrives at Windsor Castle. AP
    Flowers are seen on the hearse as it arrives at Windsor Castle. AP
  • King Charles and Prince William join the procession in the Quadrangle inside Windsor Castle. AFP
    King Charles and Prince William join the procession in the Quadrangle inside Windsor Castle. AFP
  • The procession, led by the dismounted detachment of the Household Cavalry, followed by massed Pipes and Drums of Scottish and Irish regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Royal Air Force and the Band of the Grenadier Guards, arrives at Windsor Castle. Getty Images
    The procession, led by the dismounted detachment of the Household Cavalry, followed by massed Pipes and Drums of Scottish and Irish regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Royal Air Force and the Band of the Grenadier Guards, arrives at Windsor Castle. Getty Images
  • The hearse travels along the Long Walk as it makes its way to Windsor Castle. Reuters
    The hearse travels along the Long Walk as it makes its way to Windsor Castle. Reuters
  • The ceremonial procession travels down the Long Walk in Windsor. PA
    The ceremonial procession travels down the Long Walk in Windsor. PA
  • The hearse travels to Windsor. Reuters
    The hearse travels to Windsor. Reuters
  • The royal corgis await the cortege at Windsor Castle. Reuters
    The royal corgis await the cortege at Windsor Castle. Reuters
  • A member of the Coldstream Guards walks past flowers at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. AP
    A member of the Coldstream Guards walks past flowers at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. AP
  • A mourner throws a flower towards Queen Elizabeth's hearse as it is driven to Windsor from London. Reuters
    A mourner throws a flower towards Queen Elizabeth's hearse as it is driven to Windsor from London. Reuters
  • Members of the royal family pay their respects as the hearse carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in London. Reuters
    Members of the royal family pay their respects as the hearse carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth in London. Reuters
  • The state gun carriage carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth arrives at Wellington Arch during the ceremonial procession following her state funeral. PA
    The state gun carriage carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth arrives at Wellington Arch during the ceremonial procession following her state funeral. PA
  • The funeral procession marches down The Mall following the service at Westminster Abbey. AP
    The funeral procession marches down The Mall following the service at Westminster Abbey. AP
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried from her state funeral at Westminster Abbey. PA
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried from her state funeral at Westminster Abbey. PA
  • King Charles walks with Princess Anne, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is pulled on a gun carriage through the streets of London following her funeral service. AP
    King Charles walks with Princess Anne, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is pulled on a gun carriage through the streets of London following her funeral service. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, stand outside Westminster Abbey after the funeral. PA
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, stand outside Westminster Abbey after the funeral. PA
  • Buckingham Palace household staff pay their respects. AFP
    Buckingham Palace household staff pay their respects. AFP
  • Mourners pause for two minutes' silence during the funeral service in London. Reuters
    Mourners pause for two minutes' silence during the funeral service in London. Reuters
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth, draped in a Royal Standard and adorned with the Imperial State Crown and the sovereign's orb and sceptre, arrives in Westminster Abbey. AP
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth, draped in a Royal Standard and adorned with the Imperial State Crown and the sovereign's orb and sceptre, arrives in Westminster Abbey. AP
  • Prince William, his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Westminster Abbey. AP
    Prince William, his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Westminster Abbey. AP
  • Members of the public watch the funeral from Horse Guards Road in London. PA
    Members of the public watch the funeral from Horse Guards Road in London. PA
  • Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby speaking during the funeral. PA
    Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby speaking during the funeral. PA
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried into Westminster Abbey, followed by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla for the state funeral in London. PA
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried into Westminster Abbey, followed by King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla for the state funeral in London. PA
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried by the Bearer Party into Westminster Abbey. Getty
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth is carried by the Bearer Party into Westminster Abbey. Getty
  • King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward arrive at Westminster Abbey. AFP
    King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward arrive at Westminster Abbey. AFP
  • Prince William and Prince Harry make their way to Westminster Abbey. PA
    Prince William and Prince Harry make their way to Westminster Abbey. PA
  • The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth through central London. PA
    The State Gun Carriage carries the coffin of Queen Elizabeth through central London. PA
  • Members of the public on the Mall become emotional during the funeral. PA
    Members of the public on the Mall become emotional during the funeral. PA
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed on a gun carriage for her state funeral service in central London. AP
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is placed on a gun carriage for her state funeral service in central London. AP
  • The coffin of Queen Elizabeth leaves Westminster Hall. AP
    The coffin of Queen Elizabeth leaves Westminster Hall. AP
  • The Yeoman of the Guard arrive in Westminster Abbey. AP
    The Yeoman of the Guard arrive in Westminster Abbey. AP
  • Guests take their seats inside Westminster Abbey in London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth. AFP
    Guests take their seats inside Westminster Abbey in London for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth. AFP
  • The Royal Marines band marches to Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
    The Royal Marines band marches to Westminster Abbey. Getty Images
  • US President Joe Biden arrives for the funeral. PA
    US President Joe Biden arrives for the funeral. PA
  • French President Emanuel Macron and wife Brigitte walk into Westminster Abbey. PA
    French President Emanuel Macron and wife Brigitte walk into Westminster Abbey. PA
  • Metropolitan Police Officers walk in formation down The Mall in preparation for the state funeral Of Queen Elizabeth II. Getty
    Metropolitan Police Officers walk in formation down The Mall in preparation for the state funeral Of Queen Elizabeth II. Getty
  • A Pearly king and queen, who raise money for charity, on the procession route in London. AFP
    A Pearly king and queen, who raise money for charity, on the procession route in London. AFP
  • People line the funeral procession route. Getty
    People line the funeral procession route. Getty
  • Mourners take a moment to rest on The Mall in London. Reuters
    Mourners take a moment to rest on The Mall in London. Reuters
  • At 6.28am on the day of her funeral, the final members of the public pay their respects at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth at the Palace of Westminster, London. PA
    At 6.28am on the day of her funeral, the final members of the public pay their respects at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth at the Palace of Westminster, London. PA
  • London's Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
    London's Westminster Abbey on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
  • Black Rod, the House of Lords' senior figure, walks through Westminster Hall at 6.30am after paying her respects on the final day of the lying in state at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in London. PA
    Black Rod, the House of Lords' senior figure, walks through Westminster Hall at 6.30am after paying her respects on the final day of the lying in state at the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in London. PA
  • Police on patrol in Whitehall before Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey in London. EPA
    Police on patrol in Whitehall before Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey in London. EPA
  • People in London camp during the night before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
    People in London camp during the night before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
  • Vehicles in the motorcade of US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II in London. Getty Images
    Vehicles in the motorcade of US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II in London. Getty Images
  • US President Joe Biden accompanied by the First Lady Jill Biden signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London. PA
    US President Joe Biden accompanied by the First Lady Jill Biden signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London. PA
  • Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
    Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Reuters
  • The first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska (R) views the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, lying in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall in London. Getty Images
    The first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska (R) views the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, lying in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall in London. Getty Images
  • Oman's Sultan Haitham arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London, the night before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. AP
    Oman's Sultan Haitham arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London, the night before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. AP
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London, before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. AP
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, arrives for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for heads of state and official overseas guests, at Buckingham Palace in London, before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. AP
  • Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and his wife May sign a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
    Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and his wife May sign a book of condolence at Lancaster House in London, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. PA
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.

The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.

All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.

No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.

Updated: September 19, 2022, 9:05 AM