Prince Charles sways sword during Saudi dance

Britain’s Prince Charles, dressed in a traditional Saudi robe and a checkered red and white keffiyeh, joined members of Saudi Arabia’s royal family in performing the “Ardah” sword dance near Riyadh.

Prince Charleswears traditional Saudi dress as he dances with sword with Saudi Tourism minister Salman bin Sultan during the traditional Saudi dance known as 'Arda' performed during the Janadriya culture festival at Der'iya in Riyadh. -AFP

Charles, who arrived on Monday on his second visit to the kingdom in a year, swayed his sword to the rhythm of drumbeats at the annual cultural and heritage Al Janadriya festival, late on Tuesday near Riyadh.

He was accompanied in the dance by several princes, including deputy prime minister Moqren bin Abdul Aziz and National Guard chief Prince Mitaab.

The Prince of Wales, in a regional tour without his wife Camilla, early on Wednesday visited Al Dir’iyah, the first capital of the Saudi dynasty where the remains of many palaces and restored buildings are located.

The heir to the British throne met during his Saudi visit with several Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal.