Prince William pays tribute to deceased leader following trip to the Middle East

Prince William has travelled to the Middle East on behalf of King Charles to pay tribute to Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Kuwait's former ruling Emir.

The Prince of Wales flew to the country on Monday meet Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, who was named Emir on Saturday after the death of his half-brother Sheikh Nawaf was announced.

William, 41, shared a photo from the trip along with the caption: "Sincere condolences to the people of Kuwait and the family of the late Emir, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah."

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The death of Sheikh Nawaf was announced on Kuwait state TV on Saturday.

No cause of death has been given.

The British royal family has shared close ties with the Kuwaiti royal family, with William last visiting Kuwait in 2019.

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Prince William will return to the UK where he will join the British royal in their Christmas traditions, including attending Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.

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The family will walk to the church and greet members of the public along the way.

The Princess of Wales hosted the annual Christmas concert, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will screen at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve in the UK.

The family released their annual Christmas Card in early December. The family was dressed casually for the black-and-white for photo taken by Josh Shinner.

Prince William attended the event along with the couple's children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.