Royal welcome for Zuma

A display of British pomp and pageantry greeted South African President Jacob Zuma at the start of a three-day state visit overshadowed by controversy about his polygamy.

Mr Zuma, 67, who has three wives and has fathered 20 children, was welcomed by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Horse Guards Parade in London's Whitehall.

The President chose his third wife, former bank clerk Thobeka Madiba, 36, to accompany him on the visit, shortly after he reportedly accused the British of looking down on South Africans.

The welcoming ceremony was watched by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as Gordon Brown, who will hold talks with Mr Zuma today.