King and Queen welcome Sultan of Oman to a rain-soaked Windsor for the first Omani state visit in 44 years

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said rode beside King Charles in the Irish State Coach, after the royals shunned umbrellas in the downpour. Prince William had collected him earlier from his UK residence. Kate gave a deep curtsey in a green Alexander McQueen coat, a nod to Oman's flag. Prime Minister Andy Burnham will attend his first state banquet tonight.

Wednesday will bring a Downing Street meeting between the Sultan and Burnham, with the Strait of Hormuz on the agenda.

Kate wore Princess Diana's 160-year-old diamond and emerald brooch on her lapel.

Harry and Meghan, neither of whom holds working royal status, have not been invited.