Prince Charles with Prince Sultan bin Salman at the historical Al-Ula site. (SPA)

Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, undertook a historical trip with Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), when he visited Al-Ula and Hejaz Railway on Wednesday.

Al-Ula, located approximately 350 km north of Madinah, is well known for its archaeological remnants, while the historical Hejaz Railway once linked Damascus with the holy city of Madinah through a narrow-gauge railway line, and was used by pilgrims traveling from Istanbul to the Prophet’s mosque via the Syrian capital.

According to the British Embassy, the Prince of Wales visited the fantastic sites around Al-Ula, including the Hejaz Railway, where he was welcomed by Prince Sultan. The Kingdom is eager to restore and rebuild the historic Hejaz Railway in the near future.

Earlier, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, second deputy premier and Interior minister, met with Prince Charles at the conference palace in Riyadh and discussed issues regarding mutual cooperation and regional affairs.

Prince Mohammed wished him a pleasant stay in the Kingdom while Prince Charles expressed his happiness about his visit. The Prince of Wales visited the Kingdom only a year after his last trip during Janadriyah festival, which demonstrates the importance the UK government places on its association with the Kingdom.

“These connections are underpinned by the longstanding and respectful relationship that exists between the two royal families,” a statement from Clarence House said. It said Prince Charles has previously made 11 official visits to Saudi Arabia, in 1986,1990, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2013, and 2014.

Moreover, on Jan. 23, the Prince of Wales traveled to the Kingdom to offer his condolences following the death of King Abdullah.

The Prince of Wales will visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

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