The United Kingdom's Queen Elizabeth II Tuesday accorded Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz a ceremonial welcome, amid controversy over the Middle Eastern ruler's stay.
The Queen greeted the King on Horse Guards' Parade at the start of his first visit to the UK in 20 years.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Minister for the Middle East Kim Howells joined dignitaries to welcome the King as he arrived at the central London parade ground with the Prince of Wales.
The King reviewed a guard of honor before heading to Buckingham Palace in carriages, where, during a state banquet, both monarchs will make speeches.
King Abdullah's remarks in an interview with the BBC Monday have heightened the controversy surrounding the trip. King Abdullah said the UK was not doing enough to fight terror.
The UK Foreign Office was forced to rebut his claims that Saudi authorities had provided information which could have prevented the 2005 London bombing atrocities.
Around 100 human rights and anti-arms trade activists gathering nearby jeered and shouted "shame on you" as the royal procession passed along The Mall in central London.
Backbench Labour MPs are planning to join human rights demonstrators at a protest outside the Saudi embassy Wednesday.
Foreign Office minister Kim Howells Monday called for Britain and Saudi Arabia to work more closely together, despite their differences, saying the two states could unite around their "shared values."
During his visit, the King will also meet Prince Charles to discuss the Prince's Trust and will attend a banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor at the Guildhall, before returning home Thursday.
Source: Xinhua
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