Princess of Wales back in spotlight as she helps kick off Qatari state visit to UK

The Princess of Wales is continuing her gradual return to work following the end of her chemotherapy in September, taking part in a major royal engagement on Tuesday.

Kate joined husband Prince William to welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, to the UK.

The Prince and Princess of Wales went to the hotel the couple are staying at on their official state visit before escorting them to the official welcome from King Charles, at Horse Guards Parade near Buckingham Palace.

Watch the video above.

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The appearance marks the first time in almost a month the princess has been seen out in public.

Kate was last spotted on the balcony at the Remembrance Sunday service on November 10, in an all-black ensemble for the sombre annual event.

For this occasion, the Princess of Wales continued her tradition of diplomatic colour choices for the state visit, donning a deep maroon coat dress and hat.

The colour mirrors that on the Qatari flag, with the royal wearing her chocolate locks in a chic up-do to complete the formal look, which was accessorised with matching maroon boots and a clutch.

In a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Kate wore a four-row pearl and diamond choker necklace, commissioned from Garrard, that formerly belonged to the late monarch and was also worn by Princess Diana.

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Despite the formal occasion, Prince William opted to keep his beard growing out, showing no signs of changing his new facial hair look any time soon.

The Prince of Wales donned a black suit with a deep red tie, covered with a black wool coat, which appeared to be an identical outfit to that of his guest.

Sheikha Jawaher wore a floor length grey coat with military style double breasted detailing.

King Charles was similarly rugged up for the outing as he attended Horse Guards Parade solo, with Queen Camilla forced to pull out of the event due to a lingering chest infection.

Following the official welcome, the party took a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace for lunch.

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King Charles was joined by his guests in the Irish state coach, while William and Kate followed in the Australian state coach.

Following lunch at the palace, the emir and his wife will visit Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament before a state banquet in their honour back at the palace in the evening.

The emir will also have a private meeting with the Prince of Wales on Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, the emir will visit Sandhurst - the Royal Military Academy both he and Prince William graduated from - meeting with some of his former classmates and current Qatari cadets.

In addition to their training at the prestigious military academy, the emir and prince share a few things in common, which could be why the government asked Prince William and Kate to play a key role in this state visit.

The pair are both in their early 40s, were educated at elite British prep schools and both undertook military service after Sandhurst - the Prince of Wales served in both the British Army and Royal Air Force, while the emir went on to serve in the Qatari military.

The state visit marks the second of the year and the fourth of King Charles III's reign so far, following South Africa, South Korea and Japan.

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