A landmark visit by Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan to Windsor Castle, hosted by Prince William and Princess Catherine, underscored the deep friendship between the British and Jordanian monarchies, culminating in a joint military engagement at RAF Benson that highlighted shared royal duties and personal connections.
The venerable halls of Windsor Castle recently played host to a significant royal gathering, as Prince William and Princess Catherine extended a warm welcome to Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan. The visit, which took place on Wednesday, October 15, reinforced the enduring friendship between the British and Jordanian royal families.
Adding a delightful element of surprise to the engagement, Princess Catherine made an unexpected public appearance, joining her husband to greet the visiting Jordanian royals. This unannounced participation garnered much attention from royal observers and fans alike, enhancing the ceremonial welcome.
The official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a short video from the occasion, capturing intimate moments between the couples. The clip showed the four royals posing for a picture, followed by Princess Catherine and Princess Rajwa engaged in conversation as they descended a staircase, with Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein similarly deep in discussion. The caption simply stated, “A pleasure to welcome HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan and HRH Princess Rajwa to Windsor this morning.”
For the Windsor welcome, Princess Catherine was elegantly dressed in a camel-coloured trouser suit complemented by a cream, tie-necked blouse. Princess Rajwa opted for a chic white shirt layered under a black corset-style top and matching trousers. Both Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein maintained a formal appearance in classic navy blue suits, presenting a unified and distinguished front.
Deepening the Anglo-Jordanian Royal Friendship
This visit marks a significant milestone, being the Jordanian royals’ first official trip to the UK as a married couple. The connection between the two royal houses is long-standing and personal; Prince William and Princess Catherine themselves attended Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s wedding in Amman in 2023, as detailed by Town & Country. Their attendance at the wedding exemplified the depth of their relationship.
The familial ties extend further, rooted in Princess Catherine’s own childhood. She lived in Jordan for a few years as a child when her father worked for British Airways, even attending nursery school there. This early connection was further celebrated when William and Kate returned to Jordan for a private family holiday in 2021, a trip that later yielded a beloved Christmas card photo taken in the ancient city of Petra.
Beyond this latest visit, the camaraderie between Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein has been observed on multiple occasions. During William’s solo visit to Jordan in 2018, the two princes were famously photographed watching a soccer game together, a testament to their easy rapport. The engagement calendar also saw Princess Eugenie join Princess Rajwa earlier in the week for a visit to Springfield University Hospital and the St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust in southwest London, where they explored artwork created for mental health wards by the charity Hospital Rooms.
A Shared Passion for Aviation at RAF Benson
Following their elegant reception at Windsor, Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein embarked on a joint engagement reflecting their shared passion and professional backgrounds in aviation. Both trained helicopter pilots, they traveled to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. This visit provided an overview of how the base supports UK military operations globally, and allowed the princes to meet with trainee aircrew, support staff, and technicians.
At RAF Benson, the royal heirs toured the No. 28 Squadron hangar, where they met helicopter technicians and viewed aircraft. They even assisted technicians with maintenance tasks, showcasing a hands-on approach to their military interest. This engagement held particular significance for Prince William, who served a three-year tour with the RAF Search and Rescue Force, performing 156 operations and rescuing 149 people while based at RAF Valley in Anglesey. He left the armed forces in 2013, but the sound of Sea King helicopters still goes “straight to my heart,” he remarked.
The visit to RAF Benson underscored the strong relationship between the princes and their mutual respect for the armed forces, as noted by People magazine. It also allowed Prince William to reminisce about his time with No. 22 Squadron, which has since relocated to RAF Benson, further connecting his past service with present royal duties.
A Unified Royal Presence and Public Appreciation
The collective engagements throughout the week, starting with Princess Rajwa’s visit with Princess Eugenie and culminating in the joint activities at Windsor and RAF Benson, painted a picture of a proactive and interconnected royal network. Princess Catherine’s “surprise” appearance, widely reported by outlets such as Express.co.uk, was particularly appreciated by royal fans who lauded her elegant presence and warm interactions.
The visit not only served diplomatic purposes but also highlighted the personal friendships and shared values that bind these royal families. From elegant castle receptions to hands-on military base tours, the events showcased a blend of tradition and modern engagement, leaving a positive impression on both public and diplomatic fronts. As Princess Rajwa undertakes her first official trip to Europe, these interactions lay a solid foundation for future international collaborations and sustained royal relationships.
