Latest news with #Syrian-Saudi
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Queen Camilla holidays on Tory donor's luxury £30million superyacht
Queen Camilla was spotted on Wafic Said's boat Zenobia while travelling to some of the Mediterranean country's most select tourist hotspots. Queen Camilla has been enjoying a lavish Greek getaway aboard a £30million superyacht belonging to a billionaire Tory donor. The monarch's consort was photographed aboard Syrian-Saudi businessman Wafic Said's vessel Zenobia whilst island-hopping around the Mediterranean nation's most exclusive destinations. Given the Royal Family 's obligation to remain politically neutral, Camilla's appearance on a Tory mega-donor's luxury craft is likely to raise eyebrows amongst critics. Whilst there's no indication the King 's 78-year-old spouse has acted improperly, accepting such generous hospitality from a politically influential figure presents an unfortunate image. The timing proves particularly awkward as countless British families grapple with soaring living costs – especially after King Charles pledged to reduce royal spending excesses, reports the Mirror. The Queen Consort was photographed this week on Syrian-Saudi magnate Wafic Said's £30million yacht Zenobia, anchored in a secluded Greek bay in photos reported by the publication. Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker, who penned the recent publication Royal Mint, National Debt, commented: "Members of the Royal Family really ought to consider the public perception of such episodes, whether they are on holiday or official business. "They are representing the country at all times and, let's be honest, it's not as if they are short of cash. This is not a good look for Camilla, especially when the relationships between the royals and their associates are rightly called into question." Queen Camilla reportedly enjoyed her time aboard the yacht Zenobia without the company of Charles, who was attending the Mey-Highland Games last Saturday. Mr Said, known for orchestrating the colossal Al Yamamah arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the UK in the 1980s, was not present on the vessel. The deal itself was scrutinised by the Serious Fraud Office until the investigation was halted in 2006. The octogenarian, ranked at number 85 on The Sunday Times Rich List with a wealth of £1.9 billion, previously contributed significantly to the Conservative Party before the year 2000 when donation rules were tightened. His longstanding friendship with ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is well-documented. His wife Rosemary, after 56 years of marriage, continues to support the Tories financially. Specialists emphasise the importance of the Royal Family's non-partisan stance. This impartiality ensures that the monarchy can facilitate seamless transitions of political power and curb potential misconduct. While Charles engages in regular discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he does not possess the right to vote. Other members of the royal household theoretically have the option to vote but traditionally abstain to maintain their apolitical image. According to the official Royal Family website, "while The King is the Head of State, he remains politically -impartial". It further clarifies: "The Monarch remains politically neutral on all matters, but he is able to 'advise and warn' his ministers, including his Prime Minister, when necessary. These audiences are private." Rosemary, a British national, has contributed over £2m to the Conservative Party since 2015. The most recent donation on record, an amount of £8,000, was made in March 2024. This followed a contribution of £66,800 in April 2022 and another substantial sum of £250,000 in December 2021. Mrs Said, whose father also financially supported the Conservatives, was among more than 40 donors who shelled out £9,854 each for a virtual table at a Tory Summer Party with Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak via Zoom in 2020. In 2005, their daughter Rasha, then aged 19, was documented as donating £47,000 to the Conservatives. She later confessed that she did not personally possess sufficient funds to make such a large contribution, leading to allegations that she had unlawfully acted as a proxy for her father. The Tories subsequently maintained that the money had originated from Rosemary, and an Electoral Commission investigation concluded there had been no misconduct. The Zenobia, believed to be named after a third-century Syrian Queen, can accommodate up to 12 guests across six cabins, with additional space for 13 crew members. The 57-metre long vessel boasts interiors reminiscent of a luxury hotel, complete with lavish fixtures and fittings, exquisite wood panelling, and contemporary art adorning the walls. It also features an outdoor dining area and is said to house its own library, which doubles as a cinema room. Mr Said boasts a portfolio of properties in England, including the stately Tusmore Park in Oxfordshire and a residence in London's prestigious Eaton Square. However, it is believed that for many years he has predominantly resided in Monaco, a Mediterranean enclave known for its favourable tax regime, where his company Zenobia is also registered. He is a notable supporter of the Conservative Middle East Council, a parliamentary group dedicated to organising exploratory visits to the region. It is reported that Mr Said generously offered Mrs Thatcher the use of one of his homes during her twilight years and posthumously honoured her by naming a new extension at the Said Business School after her in 2013. His connections extend to royalty, having significant ties with King Charles. In December 2019, Clarence House hosted a dinner "given by the Prince of Wales in honour of Wafic Said and his charitable work, and to mark his 80th birthday". Last year, Mr Said was also a distinguished guest in the traditional carriage procession at Royal Ascot, led by Charles and Camilla, and was spotted sharing a laugh with the monarch in the Royal Box. The Said family were instrumental as founding patrons of the Prince of Wales Charity Foundation, now rebranded as the King Charles III Fund. Born in Damascus, Syria, in 1939, Mr Said spent his early life there before relocating to Switzerland in his twenties to embark on a career in banking. He subsequently established TAG Systems Constructions and is reported to have amassed much of his wealth through investments in major construction ventures in Saudi Arabia during the 1970s. Alongside the Said Business School, he also co-established the Said Foundation, a charitable organisation providing educational assistance to young people from nations including Syria. In 2016, Mr Said had his banking facilities withdrawn by Barclays, following allegations that executives harboured concerns about maintaining accounts connected to "high-risk countries". He subsequently initiated legal proceedings against the financial institution. Mr Said commented last night: "The Parker-Bowles family have been close friends of mine for over 40 years. Tom Parker-Bowles was at school with my son, and Tom and Laura are like -children to me. We have remained friendly with both Brigadier Parker-Bowles [Camilla's ex-husband Andrew] and the Queen ever since. "It is natural for me to offer my boat to close friends when I am not using it. I was therefore pleased to offer it to the family and glad to learn she is enjoying time with her children and grandchildren. "On my past work, particularly Al Yamamah: in 1983 the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, asked me to advise on negotiations with the Saudi government. I remain proud to have been part of what she called her team "batting for Britain" to secure this historic defence contract. "The deal, Britain's largest ever export agreement, generated around £43billion for UK companies and supported over 30,000 UK defence jobs. "To those who criticise my role... would they rather I had declined, and the contract gone elsewhere? I have never bought or sold so much as a penknife, and any claim otherwise would be false and damaging. "In 2016, Barclays wrongly closed my accounts, believing I was resident in Syria. After I sued the bank apologised publicly, confirmed no wrongdoing by me or my family, and contributed to my legal costs in defending my interests in this case. "I have made no donations to the Conservative Party since becoming non-resident in the UK. My wife, a lifelong Conservative voter, has done so, which is a matter of public record. I do not see how her political affiliations are relevant to our friendship with the Parker-Bowles family."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Queen Camilla holidays on Tory donor's luxury £30million superyacht
The King's wife was spotted on Tory donor Syrian-Saudi Wafic Said's boat Zenobia while travelling to some of the Mediterranean country's most select tourist hotspots Queen Camilla enjoyed a luxury holiday around Greece on a £30million superyacht owned by a billionaire Tory donor. The King's wife was spotted on Syrian-Saudi Wafic Said's boat Zenobia while travelling to some of the Mediterranean country's most select tourist hotspots. With the Royal Family meant to be strictly apolitical, Camilla being spotted on a Tory billionaire donor's boat will be seen by many as sending out the wrong message. And while there is no suggestion the King's 78-year-old wife has done anything wrong, accepting hospitality from someone so influential in the world of politics is not a good look. It also comes a time when millions of ordinary Brits are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis – and King Charles has spoken about cutting back on royal extravagance. Camilla was seen on Syrian-Saudi Wafic Said's £30million boat Zenobia in a bay off the coast of Greece this week. Former Lib Dem minister Norman Baker, author of a new book on finances called Royal Mint, National Debt, said: 'Members of the Royal Family really ought to consider the public perception of such episodes, whether they are on holiday or official business. "They are representing the country at all times and, let's be honest, it's not as if they are short of cash. This is not a good look for Camilla, especially when the relationships between the royals and their associates are rightly called into question.' Queen Camilla is not thought to have been joined on Zenobia by Charles. He was at the Mey-Highland Games last Saturday. Mr Said – who brokered the record multi-billion-pound Al Yamamah arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the UK in the mid-1980s – was not onboard. The Al Yamamah arms deal was subject to an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, but the probe was discontinued in 2006. The 85-year-old, who is at number 85 in The Sunday Times Rich List with a £1.9billion fortune, was a significant donor to the Tories before rules were changed in 2000 to allow only those on the UK electoral register to give parties cash. He was a very close friend of former PM Margaret Thatcher. His wife of 56 years Rosemary is still a Tory donor. Experts say it is crucial the Royal Family remains apolitical. Their neutrality means the Crown can help secure smooth handovers of -political power and restrain abuses. Charles holds weekly meetings with PM Keir Starmer, but he is not allowed to vote in elections. Other royals are in theory allowed to vote but have chosen not to, underscoring their political neutrality. The Royal Family website says that 'while The King is the Head of State, he remains politically -impartial'. It adds: 'The Monarch remains politically neutral on all matters, but he is able to 'advise and warn' his ministers, including his Prime Minister, when necessary. These audiences are private.' Rosemary, a UK citizen, made donations to the Conservative Party totalling more than £2m since 2015. Records show her most recent gift, for £8,000, was made in March 2024. This followed a donation of £66,800 in April 2022 and another of £250,000 in December 2021. Mrs Said, whose father gave cash to the Conservatives, was one of more than 40 donors who paid £9,854 each for a virtual table at a Tory Summer Party with Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak on Zoom in 2020. In 2005, the couple's daughter Rasha, then 19, was recorded as giving £47,000 to the Conservatives. She later admitted she did not personally have enough money to fund the huge donation, sparking claims the youngster had unlawfully acted as a proxy for her father. The Tories later insisted the money had come from Rosemary and an Electoral Commission inquiry found there had been no wrongdoing. Zenobia, which is thought to have been named in honour of a third Century Syrian Queen, can house up to 12 guests in six cabins. It has room for a further 13 crew. The 57-metre long vessel resembles a luxury hotel inside with opulent looking fixtures and fittings, luxury wood panels and modern looking art on the walls. It also has an outdoor dining area and is understood to include its own library, which doubles as a cinema room. Mr Said has homes in England, including Tusmore Park in Oxfordshire and London's Eaton Square. But he is understood to have primarily lived in the Mediterranean tax haven of Monaco, where Zenobia has its registered address, for many years. He is a benefactor of the Conservative Middle East Council, a parliamentary body that organises fact-finding trips to the region. Mr Said reportedly gave Mrs Thatcher the run of one of his homes in her later years and named a new wing at the Said Business School in her honour following her death in 2013. He also has significant links to King Charles. In December 2019, a dinner was held at Clarence House, 'given by the Prince of Wales in honour of Wafic Said and his charitable work, and to mark his 80th birthday'. Mr Said was also invited to take part in the traditional carriage procession, led by Charles and Camilla, at Royal Ascot last year and he was also seen laughing with the monarch in the Royal Box. The Said family were a founding patron of the Prince of Wales Charity Foundation, now called King Charles III Fund. Mr Said was born in Damascus. Syria, in 1939 and lived there until his early 20s before leaving for Switzerland to work in banking. He later founded TAG Systems Constructions and is said to have made much of his fortune by investing in large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s. As well as the Said Business School, he also co-founded the Said Foundation, a charity which offers educational support to young people from countries like Syria. In 2016, Mr Said was debanked by Barclays, amid claims bosses were concerned about holding accounts linked to 'high-risk countries'. He later launched legal action against the bank. Mr Said last night said: 'The Parker-Bowles family have been close friends of mine for over 40 years. Tom Parker-Bowles was at school with my son, and Tom and Laura are like -children to me. We have remained friendly with both Brigadier Parker-Bowles [Camilla's ex-husband Andrew] and the Queen ever since. 'It is natural for me to offer my boat to close friends when I am not using it. I was therefore pleased to offer it to the family and glad to learn she is enjoying time with her children and grandchildren. 'On my past work, particularly Al Yamamah: in 1983 the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, asked me to advise on negotiations with the Saudi government. I remain proud to have been part of what she called her team 'batting for Britain' to secure this historic defence contract. 'The deal, Britain's largest ever export agreement, generated around £43billion for UK companies and supported over 30,000 UK defence jobs. 'To those who criticise my role… would they rather I had declined, and the contract gone elsewhere? I have never bought or sold so much as a penknife, and any claim otherwise would be false and damaging. 'In 2016, Barclays wrongly closed my accounts, believing I was resident in Syria. After I sued the bank apologised publicly, confirmed no wrongdoing by me or my family, and contributed to my legal costs in defending my interests in this case. 'I have made no donations to the Conservative Party since becoming non-resident in the UK. My wife, a lifelong Conservative voter, has done so, which is a matter of public record. I do not see how her political affiliations are relevant to our friendship with the Parker-Bowles family.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
27-07-2025
- Business
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia: Which civilian airports could be rehabilitated in Syria?
This week in Damascus, the first Syrian-Saudi investment forum is being held to secure investment and partnership agreements for the reconstruction of infrastructure in Syria, which was ravaged by 13 years of war and is now ruled by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, after the fall of the Assad regime last December. On the sidelines of this forum, the president of Syria's General Civil Aviation Authority, Omar al-Houssary, announced Thursday that the country will launch a project to build a new international airport in Damascus that could handle up to 30 million passengers a year. He also announced his intention to upgrade the current Damascus airport to increase its capacity to five million passengers per year, and to rehabilitate the Aleppo airport to accommodate two million total, Syria has 55 airfields, most of which are...
