Charles Meets Dalai Lama in London

by Tom Sykes Jun 20, 2012 1:20 PM EDT

First meeting in four years

The Prince of Wales and the Dalai Lama met today for the first time in four years.

146673634GC002_THE_PRINCE_O — Prince Charles, Prince of Wales receives His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Clarence House. Square/tie/buttonhole combo is faultless, and also echoes the Lama's robes. Respect. (Gareth Cattermole / WPA Pool / Getty Images)

Charles is a long-time supporter of the Dalai Lama, and held discussions with China's president Hu Jintao on the subject of Tibet during talks in London in 2009.

Waiting next to the Prince was the Duchess of Cornwall who kissed the exiled Buddhist leader before the group moved into the house's garden room for their informal chat.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is on a 10-day tour of Britain with a mission to spread his Buddhist teachings of peace and understanding to youngsters.

Before meeting Charles, the Dalai Lama took part in a multi-faith service of prayer and reflection at Westminster Abbey in central London.

DV1199078 — Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama takes part in a service of prayer and reflection attended by representatives from different religious groups at Westminster Abbey (Dominic Lipinski / AFP / Getty Images)

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.