It is not his usual look. But Prince Charles was clearly happy to get into the spirit of things on his 10th official visit to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He donned a ceremonial Saudi thobe and checked red-and-white keffiyeh to join members of Saudi Arabia’s royal family in an Ardah – sword dance – at the annual 17-day Janadriyah cultural festival at Riyadh.
Adorned with elaborate dagger and bandolier complete with bullets, the prince kept to the drum beat and successfully negotiated the steps while wielding a golden sword during the all-male ceremony. He was accompanied by several Saudi princes, all similarly attired, at the event at a stadium in the city.
Travelling without the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles will also visit Qatar during his Middle East tour.
According to the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jon Jenkins, during his visit the prince is expected to discuss the need for reconciliation in the region.
Amnesty International has called for him to raise the issue of human rights during the tour. Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its treatment of women, restrictions on freedom of speech, and the lack of a fair and open legal system.
