South Africa’s Zuma arrives for state visit
By politics.co.uk staff
South African president Jacob Zuma has arrived in Britain at the start of his three-day state visit.
The polygamous leader is accompanied by his newest wife, who he married in January. The couple will stay in Buckingham Palace as a guest of the Queen.
Most of the pomp and ceremony usually associated with state visits will take place tomorrow, when Mr Zuma and the Duke review a guard of honour on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. The pair will join their wives for a state carriage procession along the Mall.
Critics of the prime minister have accused Gordon Brown’s participation in the welcoming ceremony as an excuse for missing PMQs tomorrow lunchtime.
Mr Brown will meet with Mr Zuma for talks on Thursday when they will discuss Zimbabwe, the coming World Cup in South Africa and the global economy.
