Countess of Wessex Sophie, wife of the younger son of the British Queen - Prince Edward - when visiting Bahrain took from the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa a set of jewelry and a cup of silver and pearls, British media reported.
This caused discontent in British political circles. In particular, the former British Foreign Minister Denis MacShane wrote a letter to the current head of the Foreign Office William Hague with the requirement to return the jewelry or sell them in favour of those who were affected by political persecution in Bahrain.
Official London has repeatedly condemned the violent actions of the government of Bahrain against peaceful demonstrators, demanding democratic reforms from the authorities.
In this situation Buckingham Palace had to make excuses for the Countess of Wessex, but the cost of jewelry has not been disclosed.
Edward and Sophie have done stop in Bahrain on the road to Afghanistan, where they met with British soldiers.
Official gifts do not become the property of the royal family and go to the Royal Collection of works of art and jewelry. Nevertheless, the Countess Wessex has the right to wear these ornaments.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
