News

Prince William faces diplomatic tightrope on first Saudi Arabia visit

Published

1 month ago

February 8, 2026

Energy, trade and human rights concerns collide as UK deploys monarchy’s ‘soft power’

PRINCE WILLIAM will step into one of the most politically sensitive overseas trips of his public life this week as he travels to Saudi Arabia at the request of the UK Government.

Unlike recent royal visits to Estonia, Poland or South Africa, this tour carries significant diplomatic weight, placing the Prince of Wales at the centre of a complex balancing act between strengthening economic ties and confronting a deeply controversial human rights record.

Sources close to the Palace say William “didn’t flinch” when asked to go, viewing such duties as part of his responsibility as heir to the throne.

But Saudi Arabia presents challenges unlike almost anywhere else on the royal calendar.

A country in transition

The visit will focus on energy transition and young people, two areas the kingdom is promoting heavily as it attempts to diversify its oil-dependent economy.

In recent years Saudi Arabia has staged major sporting and cultural events, including Formula One races, international film festivals and high-profile entertainment shows. The country will also host the men’s football World Cup in 2034.

Officials argue this signals modernisation and openness.

Critics say it is “sportswashing” — using global events to distract from repression.

Human rights organisations including Amnesty International continue to raise concerns over restrictions on free speech, criminalisation of same-sex relationships and harsh penalties for dissent.

While reforms have allowed women to drive and increased participation in public life, significant legal and social limits remain.

Meeting a controversial leader

Central to the trip will be talks with Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, the kingdom’s de facto ruler.

The crown prince is credited with pushing economic reforms but remains internationally divisive.

A US intelligence report concluded he approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul — an allegation he denies and Saudi Arabia rejects.

Whether William raises such issues privately is unlikely to be disclosed. Kensington Palace does not comment on confidential conversations.

However, the prince will be briefed extensively by the Foreign Office and the British Embassy before any meetings.

Soft power diplomacy

Government insiders describe William as a key diplomatic asset.

One source said the monarchy acts as a “secret weapon”, able to open doors politicians sometimes cannot.

This form of so-called soft power has long been part of the Royal Family’s overseas role — building relationships first, leaving governments to handle the harder negotiations.

Dr Neil Quilliam of Chatham House says Saudi leaders value high-level recognition from Britain.

“Deploying Prince William sends a signal that the UK takes the relationship seriously,” he said.

Energy cooperation and investment are expected to dominate talks, particularly as Britain seeks new partners during the global shift away from fossil fuels.

Echoes of the past

The visit also reflects longstanding links between the two royal families.

King Charles III has travelled to Saudi Arabia numerous times over the decades and is said to maintain warm relations with senior figures there.

William is now expected to assume a more prominent global role as he prepares for future kingship.

A delicate balancing act

For many observers, images of handshakes between William and MBS will be uncomfortable.

Yet world leaders continue to engage with Riyadh, citing its strategic and economic importance.

The prince’s task is unlikely to involve grand statements. Instead, it will be quiet diplomacy — maintaining dialogue while representing British values.

It is a careful, sometimes uneasy role.

But it is one the monarchy has long performed: building bridges in places where politics alone struggles to tread.

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

11 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

12 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.