Prince William walks a tightrope in Saudi Arabia

Prince William walks a tightrope in Saudi Arabia

Author: The Times February 9, 2026 Duration: 29:02

Prince William is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to celebrate “growing trade, energy and investment ties” between the kingdom and the UK. But with a number of sensitive issues on the table – from defence and intelligence sharing to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record – how will the prince walk the diplomatic tightrope? Should the UK be pursuing a closer relationship with the kingdom at all? 


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Guests: 

  • Roya Nikkhah, royal editor, The Sunday Times. 
  • Sir William Patey, former UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.


Host: Luke Jones. 

Producers: Julia Webster, Micaela Arneson.  

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: Prince William to visit Saudi Arabia as diplomatic ‘secret weapon’

Further listening: Travelling with the Duchess in a war zone

Clips:  NBC, BBC, HM Treasury.

Photo: Dana Chan, Getty Images.

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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