The Princess of Wales helped kick off the emir of Qatar’s trip to Britain as the U.K. government enlists one of the most popular royals to ensure the success of a state visit by the leader of a key ally.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has helped the British royal family roll out the red carpet for the Emir of Qatar on the first day of his state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday. However, Queen Camilla was absent from the start of proceedings due to a lingering chest infection contracted last month,