Saudi Arabia | Falcon Coffee Set, 1979

Gift from King Khalid bin Abdulaziz to Queen Elizabeth II, 1979

Country: Saudi Arabia
Object: Coffee service in the form of a falcon
Giver: King Khalid bin Abdulaziz
Recipient: Queen Elizabeth II
Date: 1979
Materials: Gilt metal and purple amethyst stones
Current collection: British Royal Collection (The Royal Collection Trust)

About the gift: Designed in the form of a falcon, the coffee set combines a symbol associated with the Arabian Peninsula with the culture of hospitality. It was presented during Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to Saudi Arabia in 1979. The set was displayed again at Buckingham Palace during King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s visit in 2007, demonstrating how a diplomatic gift can continue to represent a relationship between two countries decades after its original presentation.

The Falcon Coffee Set displayed during King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s visit to Buckingham Palace, 2007.