LONDON: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have arrived in London for a special visit to the United Kingdom from Dec 9 to 16.
The special aircraft carrying Their Majesties and their delegation landed at London’s Luton Airport at 6.30pm local time on Monday (2.30am Tuesday, Malaysian time).
The royal couple were met on arrival by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Mohamad Sadik Kethergany and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the visit signifies the importance Malaysia attaches to its longstanding relations with the UK, in particular, between the Royal Families of the two countries.
In London, Their Majesties have consented to attend a luncheon that will be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, Dec 12.
Al-Sultan Abdullah is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to exchange views on the multi-cultural and multi-religious societies of both countries.
The statement added that Their Majesties’ itinerary includes a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora in London and a visit to the British Library.
Al-Sultan Abdullah will also be given the honour of taking the salute during the Royal commissioning parade of his son, the Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday, Dec 13.
The Academy was also His Majesty’s alma mater from 1978 to 1979.
Meanwhile, Tunku Azizah will be visiting the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Bureau and the Associated Country Women of the World building, here.
This special visit is Al-Sultan Abdullah’s fourth after trips to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Japan in June, July and October, respectively, after being sworn in as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January. – Bernama