Zuma plays down his criticism of Britain's past as he ends UK trip

He had made the comments before the visit, apparently responding to reports by the British media about his polygamous lifestyle.

But yesterday the South African leader suggested his remarks had been taken out of context.

Yesterday he met the Prince of Wales to discuss the work of the royal’s organisations in his homeland. Charles gathered together leading representatives from two of his bodies working in the areas of youth entrepreneurship and sustainable business to discuss their initiatives with the head of state.

The head of the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, which does not have projects in South Africa but is working in deprived areas of Kingston in Jamaica, Freetown in Sierra Leone and other countries, also joined the talks.

Earlier Mr Zuma formally left Buckingham Palace, where he and his wife were staying as guests of the Queen, with the statesman saying goodbye to his host with his trademark handshake with both hands.

Earlier in the visit he held talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.