LONDON - Prince William will begin his first official visit to Saudi Arabia with a meeting on Monday with host Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as London seeks to deepen economic cooperation with the Gulf nation.
The visit comes as daily revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to put pressure on King Charles III's disgraced younger brother, the former Prince Andrew.
The Saudi Crown Prince will give the heir to the British throne William a private tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif later Monday followed by an audience with the de facto ruler.
The three-day visit which will wrap up on Wednesday aims to celebrate "growing trade, energy and investment ties" ahead of the two nations marking a century of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, William, a keen environmentalist, is also due to visit the historic city of AlUla where he will learn about conservation efforts to protect wildlife and unique landscape, according to his Kensington Palace office.
A warm relationship has long existed between the Saudi and British royal families, and Saudi Arabia is seen as one of Britain's most important strategic partners in the Gulf.
The late Queen Elizabeth II hosted Saudi royals on four state visits, on a par with other key allies such as France and Germany.
Simon Mabon, chair in international relations at Lancaster University, said the two royal families have had "close links" for many years.
William's involvement -- at the UK government's request at a time when it was on the "backfoot" economically -- could be seen as an attempt to "capitalise on a bit of royal fraternity", he said.