The Queen welcomes Amir of Kuwait in Windsor

A royal spectacle with all its traditional pomp and glory took place in Windsor today when the Queen hosted a state visit by the Amir of Kuwait.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met guest His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for a ceremonial welcome at the Royal Dais in Datchet Road.

They then rode in carriages as a captivated crowd lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession along Thames Street and High Street to the Windsor Castle entrance near the Long Walk.

They were led by the Mounted Band of The Blues and Royals, The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery March Past and the Sovereign's Escort of the Hosuehold Cavalry Rank Past.

Crowds waving British and Kuwait flags peered through the glass to see the royals and their guests from the Gulf in their enclosed coaches, waiting patiently from 10am.

The Amir and Duke of Edinburgh then reviewed a guard of honour in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle before a private lunch was held. Prince Charles was also at the event.

The Queen and Duke and the Amir (meaning King) then viewed an exhibition of Kuwaiti related items in the Green Drawing Room.

Among those watching the procession was Barbara Frame, of Oakley Green, said it was a 'great spectacle' and one of the reasons why she loved living in the area was because of all the pageantry and history.

The Queen is set to host a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle tonight and her guests are set to leave the UK on Friday.

Our photographer Matthew Phillips was at the event. See his photos in the slideshow below: