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☆ King Abdullah meets Israeli PM Netanyahu in surprise Jordan visit -royal court
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Suleiman Al-Khalidi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

AMMAN, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise trip to Jordan on Tuesday for talks with King Abdullah, who the royal court said underlined the need for Israel to respect the status quo of the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Far-right Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which Jews revere as the Temple Mount, under heavy security this month. It is hopeful that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden will pressure Israel to preserve the status quo in the Al-Aqsa mosque, whose upkeep is paid for by Jordan. Officials told Reuters that King Abdullah is expected to visit Washington at the end of January. Blinken underscored the importance of preserving the historic status quo at the site, according to a statement by the State Department.

☆ King Abdullah meets Israeli PM Netanyahu in surprise Jordan visit, royal court says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Suleiman Al-Khalidi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

☆ How London became the divorce capital of the world for the mega-rich
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Bill Bostock | Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A UK judge ordered Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai to pay a $679 million divorce settlement to his ex-wife. Princess Haya had filed for divorce in London, known as "the divorce capital of the world." It also reaffirmed London's status as the de facto "divorce capital of the world," at least for the rich and famous. The often-cited case — "White v White" — concerns Martin White and Pamela White, farmers from Somerset who filed for divorce in 1994. Lawyers for Khoo told the court that his case had enhanced "the ill-gotten reputation of this country for being the divorce capital of the world."

☆ China’s Xi Jinping Deepens Saudi Ties in Pivotal Trip
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Stephen Kalin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Chinese leader Xi Jinping met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a pivotal visit to the Middle East, where the world’s top oil importer deepened relations with the top exporter, in commercial agreements that included energy and technology deals but stopped short of explicitly expanding military cooperation. An honor guard welcomed the Chinese leader and Prince Mohammed greeted him with a handshake at the Saudi Royal Court on Thursday. Mr. Xi then met King Salman , and the two men signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement affording Riyadh top-tier status in China’s foreign relations. They pledged to visit each other every two years.

☆ China’s Xi gets a warm welcome from MBS in Riyadh
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Saudi state TV showed a grand ceremony laid out for the Chinese leader, as bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler known as MBS, received him at Al-Yamamah Palace. Chinese and Saudi Arabian flags dotted the premises as members of the Saudi Royal Guard lined up with swords and played music. The two leaders smiled warmly and looked on for photographs, a contrast to the atmosphere of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia earlier in the year. Xi landed in the capital Riyadh on Wednesday, where he was received by Saudi Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fist bumps US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Al Salman Palace, in Jeddah in July.

☆ Xi Jinping: Saudi's MBS rolls out the red carpet for China's president, in a not too subtle message to Biden
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Tamara Qiblawi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Saudi leaders will infuse the trip with a dose of spectacle. The Saudi king – or his powerful Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman – may bestow the Chinese leader with some honors and medals. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fist bumps US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Al Salman Palace, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 15. Today, the US consumes only a fraction of that Saudi oil, and China is Saudi Arabia’s biggest client and trading partner. Over the last year, Gulf Arab countries appear to have ramped up their independent-minded policy.

☆ Letter from Holy Roman Emperor written in secret code finally cracked after 5 centuries to reveal he was worried about being assassinated
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

French scientists have decoded a letter written in 1547 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.The three-page letter uncovers secrets of the 16th century, including assassination fears. It took the French team of scientists months to decode the letter's secret language. It showed that Charles V feared an assassination attempt by an Italian mercenary and was prioritizing his relationship with King François I of France. Charles V ruled over a vast European territory, including Spain, southern Italy, the Netherlands, swathes of central Europe, and large parts of the recently discovered Americas. The team who decoded the mysterious letter Stanislas LibraryUntil now, the contents of the letter have remained a mystery as it was composed of about 120 encrypted symbols and some French passages.

Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERSWASHINGTON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The Biden administration ruled on Thursday that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has immunity from a lawsuit over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, drawing immediate condemnation from the slain journalist's former fiancee. In late September, Saudi King Salman named Prince Mohammed prime minister in a royal decree which a Saudi official said was in line with responsibilities that the crown prince was already exercising. FIST-BUMPBiden was criticized for fist-bumping the crown prince on a visit to Saudi Arabia in July to discuss energy and security issues. The White House said Biden had told Prince Mohammed that he considered him responsible for Khashoggi's killing. In a highly charged global atmosphere, the United States is keen to prevent its long-time ally from further distancing itself.

[1/2] Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman is pictured during his meeting with South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, November 17, 2022. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERSNov 17 (Reuters) - The Biden administration has determined that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has legal immunity from a lawsuit filed against him over the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a court filing on Thursday. The prince has denied ordering Khashoggi's killing but acknowledged later that it took place "under my watch." Biden, who fist-bumped the crown prince on a visit to Saudi Arabia in July to discuss energy and security issues, had told Prince Mohammed that he considered him responsible for Khashoggi's killing. He had traveled to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain papers he needed to marry Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish citizen.

☆ Saudi crown prince arrives in Seoul - state news agency
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/6] Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman is received by South Korean Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo upon his arrival in Seoul, South Korea, November 16, 2022. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERSCAIRO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in South Korea, state news agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday. He was received by the South Korean prime minister in the capital Seoul, it added. Reporting by Moataz Mohammed and Yasmin Hussein; editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich Wins Apology From Police in Channel Islands
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Max Colchester | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Roman Abramovich holds a large chunk of his wealth via companies registered on the English Channel island of Jersey. LONDON—A court on the English Channel island of Jersey ordered the local police force to apologize to Roman Abramovich and pay damages to the Russian oligarch after it concluded the police unlawfully gained warrants to search properties linked to him earlier this year. In a rare legal victory for a recently sanctioned Russian billionaire, the Royal Court of Jersey said Wednesday in a filing that the police had agreed to issue “a private apology for the unlawful warrants” to Mr. Abramovich and pay unspecified damages.

Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERSDUBAI, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is working with Lazard (LAZ.N) on funding options and a potential initial public offering of Masar, a $27 billion mega project in the holy city of Mecca, two sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. The PIF, Lazard and Masar did not respond to a Reuters query for comment. Bloomberg first reported Lazard was advising the sovereign wealth fund on NEOM. Masar is a 1.2 million square metre urban development project in the western part of Mecca. Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh;Editing by Elaine HardcastleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi Arabia confirms crown prince won't attend Arab summit in Algeria
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

RIYADH, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not travel to Algeria next month to attend a summit of the Arab League on medical advice, the royal court confirmed in a statement on state media on Sunday. Doctors had advised Prince Mohammed, 37, to avoid long-haul flights that might affect his middle ear, said the royal court. It has not previously stated that the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, had ear problems. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will head the kingdom's delegation to the summit instead. The Algerian presidency said late on Saturday that Prince Mohammed would not attend the event to be held on Nov. 1 in Algiers in compliance with a medical recommendation to avoid travel.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives U.S. President Joe Biden at Al Salman Palace upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. Still, the U.S.-Saudi rift is widening as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MbS, flags his country's -- and his own -- importance on the world stage. "He has made a great effort since day 1 to signal to the U.S. that he wants excellent ties. Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, is aware of Riyadh's oil market power and position as a counterweight to Iran, and may stand firm in the face of U.S. criticism. It says it faces a threat from Iran and its proxies, especially after 2019 attacks that temporarily hit Saudi oil output and shook energy markets.

☆ Saudi NEOM's tech unit rebrands, invests $1 bln in 2022 -CEO
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Aziz El Yaakoubi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announces a zero-carbon city called "The Line" to be built at NEOM in northwestern Saudi Arabia, January 10, 2021. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS/File PhotoRIYADH, Sept 27 (Reuters) - NEOM Tech & Digital, a subsidiary of the $500 billion signature NEOM project of the Saudi crown prince, has invested $1 billion in 2022 in AI, including a metaverse platform, its chief executive said on Tuesday. NEOM is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's most ambitious project yet, although it has also met with scepticism from some observers. "NEOM is really becoming, in my opinion, the innovation engine for the GCC," he said in an interview with Reuters. Subscriptions to NEOM's metaverse platform will help people from around the world to virtually visit before physically investing in the city, Bradley said.

☆ Russia releases 10 foreigners captured in Ukraine, after Saudi mediation, Riyadh says
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERSRIYADH, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Russia on Wednesday released 10 foreign prisoners of war captured in Ukraine, following a mediation by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi foreign ministry said. "The relevant Saudi authorities received and transferred them from Russia to the kingdom and are facilitating procedures for their respective countries," the statement said. A Saudi official said they were five Britons, two Americans, a Croatian, a Morrocan and a Swedish national. Large numbers of foreigners have travelled to Ukraine to fight since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion. Some of them have been caught by Russian forces, along with other foreigners in the country who say they were not fighters.

☆ Queen Margrethe of Denmark diagnosed with COVID after attending funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterDenmark's Queen Margrethe pays her respects to Britain's Queen Elizabeth, following her death, during her lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, in London, Britain, September 18, 2022. REUTERS/John Sibley/PoolCOPENHAGEN, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Queen Margrethe of Denmark has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time this year, the royal court said on Wednesday. She attended the Queen Elizabeth's funeral in London on Monday. Queen Margrethe, who has been vaccinated against the coronavirus, was also diagnosed with COVID-19 in February this year, showing mild symptoms at the time. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard in Copenhagen, editing by Anna Ringstrom; Terje Solsvik and Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ World’s most beautiful castles
▼ + stars: | 2019-08-07 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

As the UK crowns a new monarch, we’re exploring all things royal, from castles to grand tours. “Castles are places were plots were hatched, marriages were consummated, murders carried out, royal babies born, and so on. With castles, you are never short of fascinating things to talk about.”Read on to find out more about 21 of the world’s most beautiful castles, fortified homes that are both a feast for the eyes and a time trip back to the bygone age during which they were created. Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket/LightRocket via Getty ImagesThis classic medieval castle towers above the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. The castle’s vivid red-and-yellow color pattern – and its flashy clock tower – endow Pena with a much more playful air than the somber castles found elsewhere in Europe.

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