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Royals meet Saudi Arabia's first ever female MPs

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have met with Saudi Arabia's first ever female MPs. The Duchess said they were "blazing a trail", after the King appointed 30 women to join his previously all-male parliament.

ITV News Royal Correspondent Tim Ewart reports:

Read more: Royal visit casts light on women's sheltered existence in Saudi Arabia

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Camilla: Women Saudi MPs 'blazing such a trail'

Camilla was joined by the Prince of Wales as they were given a tour of the gold encrusted parliament building in Riyadh. Hanan Al Ahmadi, one of the female members, told the Duchess her visit was an endorsement of what they were doing.

We have been waiting for this for a very long time. It is an emotional and very proud moment for us and carries a great deal of responsibility.

You coming here to meet us is an endorsement of what is happening here.

– Hanan Al Ahmadi

Camilla then replied:

I am so impressed. You are all so clever and well-educated and are blazing such a trail.

Duchess meets woman appointed to Saudi parliament

The Duchess of Cornwall has met the first woman to be appointed to Saudi Arabia's parliament. 30-year-old Majlis Ash Shura said it was an honour to welcome British royalty. Camilla joked how the building was much lighter than the House of Commons.

Camilla at Saudi's parliament building today
Camilla at Saudi's parliament building today Credit: ITV News/Georgina Brewer

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Camilla meets Saudi Arabia's female politicians

Inside Saudi Arabia's Majlis as-Shura, or Shura Council
Inside Saudi Arabia's Majlis as-Shura, or Shura Council Credit: ITV News/Georgina Brewer

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are visiting the Saudi Arabia's Shura Council as part of their nine-day tour of the Middle East.

The Duchess has been meeting some of the first female members of the body which advises the government on new legislation.

In January, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah appointed women to a fifth of the 150 seats in the Council for the first time.

Prince Charles and Camilla will also pay visits to a women's university and a business event today.

Charles learning to speak Arabic

The Prince of Wales speaks French, some German, and has had tuition in Welsh
The Prince of Wales speaks French, some German, and has had tuition in Welsh Credit: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales has revealed he is having Arabic lessons.

Charles told guests at a reception in Qatar that the language "goes in one ear and out the other", but an aide disclosed that he has been having private tuition for more than six months.

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