By Laura Elston,
The Prince of Wales is to meet the Dalai Lama this week at a St James’s Palace reception.
Charles has invited the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader to join him at the royal residence on Thursday.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner will gather with members of the Tibetan community on the evening of the first day of his visit to Britain.
A Clarence House spokeswoman said: “The Prince’s support for the Dalai Lama is well known.
“For many years, he has been concerned about the situation of the people of Tibet and has been impressed by the Dalai Lama’s efforts to seek a peaceful resolution.”
The Office of Tibet in London welcomed the event.
“It’s very much appreciated and it’s also very encouraging,” a spokesman said.
“His Holiness has been invited and he has accepted.”
Around 50 Tibetans who live in Britain will attend the reception along with members of groups such as The Tibet Society and the Free Tibet Campaign.
The Dalai Lama’s visit to the UK comes just two weeks after that of Chinese premier Wen Jiabao.
His trip was greeted by small groups of noisy demonstrators protesting against China’s record on human rights and its occupation of Tibet.
During his three day stay, Wen Jiabao attended an audience with the Queen.
Charles, known to be an admirer of the Dalai, is believed to have met the leader twice before, Clarence House said.
In 1991, the pair discussed the plight of Tibet and relations with China at an environment conference in London.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and escaped to northern India and established a ’government in exile’ at Dharamsala.
Around 1.2 million people are said to have been killed since the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1950.
China has been accused of trying to wipe out the Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression.
It recently called on the Dalai to abandon his vision of ever achieving an autonomous Tibet.
During his visit to Britain, the leader will also meet Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and travel to Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Tony Blair will not meet him because of “diary pressures”, despite being called on by The Tibet Society to do so.
