The Prince of Wales has visited a nature reserve on the final day of his first tour of Saudi Arabia to learn about a programme reintroducing endangered species.
The future king toured the Sharaan Nature Reserve in the east of the country to hear about ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and reintroducing native species such as gazelles and the Arabian oryx.
He was also told about a flagship programme to bring back the critically endangered Arabian leopard.
The prince planted an acacia tree at the reserve as he was given details about ongoing efforts to protect its natural wildlife and landscape.
William plants an acacia tree at the reserve. Pic: Reuters
William speaks with a member of the RCU’s Habitat and Restoration team. Pic: Reuters
William is also spending part of the day visiting the old town of AlUla, which features more than 900 mud‑brick houses and a historic citadel.
The town has a network of narrow alleyways that formed a thriving settlement on the ancient incense road, the trade route that carried spices, textiles and aromatics across Arabia for centuries.
The Prince of Wales and Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
The prince is also meeting local farmers during a tour of AlUla’s Oasis and EcoGardening farm.
The farmers were giving details to the prince about their belief in sustainable farming and on efforts to preserve their region’s agricultural history.
The Prince of Wales meets rangers at the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Pic: PA
William at the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Pic: Reuters
The trip has been overshadowed by the allegations surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew denies any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attempted to make their position clear on the scandal on Monday when they issued their first public statement about it.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said they were « deeply concerned by the continued revelations », and « their thoughts remain focused on the victims ».
