Emir of Qatar arrives at Sandhurst for military ceremony after banquet with King Charles – live updates

A Metropolitan Police officer has denied causing death by careless driving after a woman died following a collision with a motorcycle that was part of an escort for the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Helen Holland, 81, was struck at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on the afternoon of May 10, 2023.

She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later.

Christopher Harrison, 67, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday where he spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his not guilty plea during a short hearing.

After Ms Holland’s death was announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away.

“Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”

Harrison was granted unconditional bail and will face trial on November 10 next year.

Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who made history on Strictly Come Dancing as the show’s first deaf contestant, is to receive a royal honour at Windsor Castle.

The former EastEnders actress will be honoured by the Princess Royal on Wednesday alongside 60 others, including Hari Budha Magar – the first above-the-knee double-amputee to summit Mount Everest.

Born deaf, Ayling-Ellis, 30, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for voluntary services to the deaf community.

The first deaf contestant to ever take part in Strictly, she won the 2021 series and legions of new fans after a routine in which the music paused and she and partner Giovanni Pernice danced in silence as a tribute to the deaf community.

Qatar, one of the richest Gulf states, is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war and there are reports the Government is hoping to seal a free-trade deal with the Gulf Co-operation Council.

But the country has faced criticism over its human rights record, in particular its criminalisation of same-sex relationships.

Polly Truscott, Amnesty International UK’s foreign policy adviser, said: “It’s important that Qatar’s poor human rights record isn’t overlooked during the pomp and ceremony of this visit.

“During the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, migrant workers from places like Nepal, India and Bangladesh suffered years of appalling abuse because of Qatar’s lax labour laws and a failure to enforce even the laws that were in place.”

In his speech at last night’s state banquet, the Emir paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II: “Back in 2010, your mother – the late and cherished, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth – told my father that she saw the Qatari people as ‘old and valued friends’, and expressed her hope that the UK would be a ‘home from home’ for them. And it certainly is.”

He praised the King, saying: “The United Kingdom and Qatar are not only friends, but partners.

“Through our joint diplomacy efforts, cultural exchanges and economic investments, we shape the global landscape.

“I would like to commend you, Your Majesty, for your steadfast commitment and unfailing leadership promoting inter-faith dialogue, peace efforts, and protection of the environment. Thank you, once again, for your incredible hospitality.”

He referenced the King’s continuing cancer treatment when he concluded: “Let us pray for the continued health of His Majesty, and to the strength of our alliance and friendship.”

The King praised Qatar’s “invaluable” efforts as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas war in a banquet speech which spoke touchingly of the bonds between the UK and the Gulf state.

He told the Emir as the first day of his two-day state visit drew to a close: “If I may, I would particularly like to express the United Kingdom’s deepest gratitude for your tireless mediation efforts over the past year in pursuit of peace, in the face of unbearable heartache and suffering.

“In these most desperate of circumstances, Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance and diplomatic efforts are, quite simply, beyond compare.

“These are duties that we all share. As the Koran says: ‘Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity’.

“And as the Bible says: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God’. We stand with you in our commitment to a world where peace and justice prevail over division.”

Wednesday marks the final day of the Emir of Qatar’s two-day state visit to the UK.

The emir is currently at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst with defence secretary Defence Secretary John Healey, before he returns to Buckingham Palace for a formal farewell from the King.

He will then visit 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and attend an evening dinner at Mansion House given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation before heading to Stansted Airport