WINDSOR: Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at her glittering wedding to his son Prince Harry on Saturday after her own father had to pull out because of ill health.
Her father, Thomas, gave a host of contradictory statements about his intentions then finally told celebrity website TMZ he had undergone heart surgery and could not attend, in a family drama that has played out under the glare of media attention.
“Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St. George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day,” Harry’s office Kensington Palace said in a statement.
“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”
Markle’s African-American mother, Doria Ragland, was due to meet Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Harry’s 92-year-old grandmother, for tea on Friday.
The yoga instructor charmed Charles, her daughter’s future father-in-law, when they met on Wednesday, a source close to the royal family said.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, 96, would be at the wedding despite undergoing hip replacement surgery last month.
Outside the ancient stone walls of Windsor Castle, home to the English royal family for nearly 1,000 years, well-wishers mingled with tourists and swarms of television crews under swathes of British and American flags.
Harry, 33, will marry Markle, 36, a star of the TV drama “Suits,” in the castle’s 15th-century St. George’s Chapel at a ceremony that begins about 1100 GMT on Saturday. The details of her dress, the ring and the order of service are still to be announced.
A former army officer and one-time royal wild child, Harry met his bride-to-be on a blind date in July 2016 after being set up through a mutual friend. Markle said she knew little about her royal date while Harry said he had never heard of Markle or watched her TV series.
However, it was love at first sight, and after just two dates, he whisked her off to Botswana for a holiday, camping under the stars.
After the schism of Brexit divided the United Kingdom and triggered a wave of doubt about its future place in the world, the glittering union of one of the most popular royals and an elegant US divorcee may offer some distraction.
The British remain broadly supportive of the monarchy albeit with a sense of mild irony about the pomp and pageantry that accompanies it, though many have deep respect for the current monarch, Elizabeth, after 66 years of dutiful service.
For some black Britons, the prospect of a mixed-race royal princess has increased interest in the monarchy, which has so far been all white. A black American bishop will give the address at the wedding.
“Meghan will bring a new perspective to the royal family,” royal biographer Claudia Joseph said. “Obviously she comes from a very different background and ... that’s hugely important to take the royal family into the future.”
But for some other Britons, the event has as much relevance as the union of two distant superstars. Many will not even bother to watch the wedding despite massive media interest.
This wedding has drawn comparisons with some remarkable episodes of recent royal history: Edward VIII’s relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson, which led him to abdicate in 1936, and the queen’s late sister Margaret’s decision to call off her marriage to an equerry Peter Townsend.
Markle said she was sad her father could not make it but expressed hope he would be given the time to deal with his health problems.
The palace implied that Markle would still enter the chapel alone with her bridesmaids and page boys, before joining Charles at the Quire which is located about half-way down the ancient church.
After the hour-long ceremony, the couple will take part in a procession through the town’s ancient streets on a 19th century Ascot Landau carriage pulled by four Windsor Grey horses.
Police are expecting more than 100,000 people to throng the streets outside the castle, the queen’s home west of London and the oldest and largest inhabited fortress in the world, and have said there would be tight security for the event.
Harry, the younger son of the late Princess Diana, has always been a popular member of the royal family.
A cheeky child who stuck his tongue out at photographers, he left a lasting memory in the minds of many when aged just 12, he walked solemnly behind his mother’s coffin as her funeral cortege made its way through London after her death in a car crash in 1997.
He has spoken publicly about the pain of the loss of his mother, supported campaigns for wounded veterans and has embraced campaigns for awareness about mental health.
“I remember Princess Diana dying,” said Nick Lemin, 45 who grew up in Windsor but now lives in Brisbane, Australia. “I was here in the UK at the time and have never seen anything sweep a nation like that did.”
“I think she’d be very, very proud of Prince Harry and the family and how they are living their lives,” Lemin said.
Windsor Castle was badly damaged by a fire in 1992, a year Elizabeth famously described as an “annus horribilis” after three of her four children’s marriages failed, including Charles’ marriage to Diana.
Fast forward 26 years: A reformed royal brand and a Windsor in party mood. The weather is forecast to be fine with blue skies on Saturday.
Sales of everything from flags and biscuits to tea towels emblazoned with the couple’s pictures were brisk, while bands entertained the growing crowds amid a party atmosphere in the genteel town.
“I think it’s great. Meghan is an international star in her own right,” said Lemin. “She’s just not the traditional princess.”
Prince Charles to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at royal wedding
Prince Charles to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at royal wedding
- Her father, Thomas Markle, gave a host of contradictory statements about his intentions then finally told celebrity website TMZ he had undergone heart surgery and could not attend.
- A former army officer and one-time royal wild child, Harry met his bride-to-be on a blind date in July 2016 after being set up through a mutual friend.
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Miss Universe 2024 walks for Michael Cinco at Dubai Fashion Week
DUBAI: Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig took to the runway for Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco on day four of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW).
Theilvig closed the show wearing a red gown – with a strapless, sweetheart neckline – that featured intricate sequin embellishments.
The dress included a dramatic, structured peplum detail at the waist over a fitted silhouette. The look was completed with a floor-length, flowing train.
Cinco’s collection showcased detailed craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes, reinforcing his signature aesthetic that has been touted by celebrities including Mariah Carey, Sofia Vergara and Aishwarya Rai, among others.
Tuesday showcased a diverse lineup of brands, including Viva Vox, Lama Jouni, CHOICE, and Riva, which all brought bold styles, modern femininity and refined elegance to the runway.
Russian brand Viva Vox’s creative director Oleg Ovsiyov unveiled an Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection characterized by striking silhouettes, vibrant colors, and experimental fabric choices, reflecting the brand’s avant-garde identity.
Lebanese designer Jouni blended luxury and streetwear in a collection featuring muted tones, waist-enhancing separates, and structured dresses. The designs emphasized versatility and practicality, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication.
Dubai-based brand CHOICE channelled the 1970s for its Spring/Summer 2025 line, incorporating linen, cotton, tweeds, chiffons and silks. The collection featured feminine silhouettes with dramatic draping, bold accessories and a palette of caramel, bronze and desert sand-like hues. Metallic fringes, sequins and textured details added depth, while structured trench coats and waist-cinching designs completed the lineup.
Riva presented a collection of flowing kaftans, flattering silhouettes, and intricate embroidery. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, paired with a soft color palette, offered versatile designs suited for formal and relaxed settings.
Theilvig won the Miss Universe crown in November. The dancer, entrepreneur and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant’s 73rd edition held in Mexico City.
“I have been waiting for my whole life for this moment,” she said during the swimsuit round of the pageant.
“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” she also said on the Miss Universe stage at the time.
French artist Patrick Tresset brings robotic art to ‘Ai or Nay?’ exhibition in Qatar
DOHA: Brussels-based French artist Patrick Tresset, known for integrating robotics into his art, is presenting a thought-provoking installation called “Time to Read,” at the exhibition “Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent” in Qatar.
The exhibition, taking place at the Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University until May 15, examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and human creativity through the works of more than 20 regional and international artists.
“Time to Read” invites visitors to sit and read a book for 30 minutes while two robotic arms draw their likenesses. The resulting portraits become part of a global collection which now includes over 50,000 drawings created by similar installations worldwide.
“The idea came from a lunch I had with a gallery director in Paris,” Tresset told Arab News. “We were talking about reading, social media and how we don’t have the attention anymore. After the lunch, I thought, ‘I should do a piece about that’.”
Tresset’s career took a significant turn when he transitioned from traditional painting to robotics after experiencing a creative block.
“I used to be a painter, but at some point I lost my way. Everything I did didn’t feel right anymore,” he explained. “Because I had a computer when I was very young, I had the intuition I could do something with computational systems, so I switched to that.”
His work with robotics led to installations like “Time to Read” that incorporate elements of performance and audience interaction.
“I realized the theatrical potential, and that is why I started to exhibit those types of installations where the robots are actors. It is a performance. It is an art installation. It is a drawing,” he said.
Discussing the implications of technology in the creative field, Tresset said: “A pen is a technology, and so is a hammer — you can use them constructively or destructively.”
With “Time to Read,” he added, he wanted to show how technology can help us reflect, reconnect, and slow down.
Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia’s literary heritage
- Event offers deep dive into Kingdom’s rich tradition
- Locals, visitors explore Saudi literature
RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival brings together literary enthusiasts, publishers, and celebrated authors and provides a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s rich storytelling traditions and evolving literary landscape.
The event, which lasts until Feb. 8, features panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and interactive experiences.
The festival is attracting a diverse audience, including international visitors who engage with Saudi authors to explore locally published books.
One of the standout sessions, “The Roots of the Tale,” featured renowned Saudi novelist and journalist Badryah Al-Bishr, who spoke about the transformation of storytelling into modern literature.
Al-Bishr said: “My participation was all about tracing the wisdom of storytelling to the structure of novels. Since I studied folk tales in my master’s degree while also writing novels, I explored how traditional narratives evolved before written literature.
“Societies have always needed this literary and cultural influence — it serves deep and indirect functions, whether in raising children, comforting sorrowful hearts, or inspiring values and ideals.
“This is what we now call ‘soft power.’ Storytelling has always shaped minds, transferring across cultures like the tale of ‘Cinderella,’ which exists in Russia, Europe, and even Najd.”
A key aspect of the festival is its focus on showcasing Saudi literature to international visitors, offering translations and accessible editions of local works.
Modi Al-Dossari, from the Tashkeel Publishing House, noted the growing interest from foreign attendees, and added: “We’re working on something big here at the festival.
“The visitors are quite diverse, including many foreigners eager to learn about our culture.
“At Tashkeel we have Saudi books and stories translated into English, and they are among our bestsellers. It’s amazing to see our culture being shared in such a smooth and accessible way.”
The availability of translated Saudi literature has helped bridge the gap between local storytelling and a global readership, highlighting the richness of Saudi narratives and their universal appeal.
Beyond book discussions, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival provides visitors with a fully immersive cultural experience, allowing them to explore the historic and artistic depth of Diriyah.
Entry to the festival costs SR40 ($10.66) per person, which includes access to all three locations — Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Zuhayra — as well as shuttle transportation between the venues and parking areas.
The festival also features restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for both literary and cultural exploration.
Hind Mohammed, who was attending, said: “I loved visiting Diriyah, especially Bujairi Terrace. It’s such a beautiful and enriching experience, with a vibrant atmosphere, and fantastic cafes, restaurants, and children’s play areas.”
Visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over Diriyah’s landscape — and see a combination of golden light, traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings creating a spectacular and serene experience.
Saudi Arabia’s literary scene has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global recognition for local authors and their works. Events like the Diriyah Storytelling Festival contribute to this transformation by providing a platform for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Designers offer up day-to-evening wear at Dubai Fashion Week
DUBAI: Day three of Dubai Fashion Week saw presentations by fashion label BLSSD, New York-based British Iraqi designer Tara Babylon, Dubai-based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad and a multi-designer showcase curated by department store Etoile La Boutique.
Somali Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed walked the runway for Ayad, who stayed true to her brand’s founding ethos and offered up chic looks for a diverse range of body shapes. Houndstooth patterns were employed in various hues across the collection, while winter-appropriate fabrics and evening wear options in rippled gold also made an appearance.
Babylon took over the runway with her Autumn/Winter 2025 collection titled “Princess of Thieves.” The designer brought a warm and tropical vibe to the winter collection with Middle Eastern-inspired palm tree prints and earthy green tones. Weaving, printing and crochet techniques were used along with recycled cotton tapestry to create stylish winter pieces.
The Central Saint Martins and Parsons-educated designer is known for the performance-like aspect of her shows, and Monday night’s showcase in Dubai was no different. Models strode down the runway in a series of artfully created balaclavas that matched the ensembles.
Meanwhile, Etoile La Boutique’s invite-only showcase was a curated multi-designer collection titled “Twilight to Midnight.” The playful showcase offered up a sunshine yellow taffeta dress alongside a sequined mini-skirt and expertly cut leopard-print trench coat.
UAE-born and bred streetwear and ready-to-wear label BLSSD showcased its signature experimental styles in seasonal colours — a floor-grazing blazer paired with slouchy, masculine trousers was a particular draw at the show.
Ithra’s Kimono Exhibition showcases art, evolution of a Japanese symbol in Saudi Arabia
DHAHRAN: As part of the Japan Cultural Days event that ends on Feb. 8, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is hosting a Kimono Exhibition, offering visitors an up-close look at these traditional Japanese garments synonymous with the country.
Maha Abdulhadi, creative programs specialist at Ithra, explained the significance of the exhibition to Arab News.
“The Kimono Exhibition at Japan Cultural Days is not just a fashion showcase — it (is) a deep cultural experience. It celebrates Japan’s artistic legacy, demonstrates the adaptability of tradition in a modern world, and strengthens cultural exchange between Japan and global audiences,” Abdulhadi said.
As one of the most iconic symbols of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship, the kimono has served as a representation of Japan’s rich cultural identity and its textile artistry, showcasing centuries-old techniques of dyeing, weaving and embroidery, while also demonstrating how contemporary designers have reinterpreted the kimono for modern sentiments.
The exhibition also highlights the significance of kimonos in different celebratory occasions, showcasing how their styles vary depending on the event.
The patterns and fabrics of kimonos often reflect seasonal changes, festivals and artistic aesthetics, further emphasizing their connection to Japanese culture.
This free exhibition showcases 17 kimonos in total, carefully selected to highlight the evolution of this iconic Japanese attire.
Ten kimonos were loaned from the Japan Kimono Museum in Fukushima. These pieces represent antique kimonos from different historical periods, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) eras. The Japan Kimono Museum, which opened in 2022, houses the largest collection of kimonos in Japan, with approximately 10,000 items in total, including accessories.
“I would like to add that the design of one of the uchikake kimono displayed from the Japan Kimono Museum is by Kansai Yamamoto, a fashion designer who was active in Paris Fashion Week and other events,” Abdulhadi added.
In addition to the historical pieces, seven kimonos in the exhibition came from a private collector based in Japan, showcasing modern interpretations of the traditional garment.
The selection of kimonos was curated by Ithra’s Museum & Exhibition unit. The curatorial team focused on presenting the evolution of kimonos, emphasizing their intricate dyeing techniques, exquisite craftsmanship and regional styles that tell captivating stories of tradition and heritage.
Beyond being a fashion exhibition, the event as a whole, which began on Jan. 23, was created to foster cultural exchange as the two countries celebrate 70 years of Saudi-Japan diplomatic relations.
