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Charles of Arabia? Britain's prince takes part in Saudi sword dance

/ Reuters

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Britain's Prince Charles dresses in traditional robes and carries a sword to take part in the 'Ardha' - or sword dance - while on his short tour of the Middle East
Prince Charles in traditional Saudi sword dance 01:32

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, joined members of the Saudi royal family to take part in a sword dance Tuesday.

The Prince of Wales was visiting Saudi Arabia as part of a short tour of the Middle East when he participated in the dance, known as an Ardah, in the capital Riyadh.

Charles was wearing traditional robes for the ceremony, which was celebrating the 17-day-long Janadriya Festival.

The prince is also visiting Qatar in what will be his second visit to the two nations in just under a year, and his 10th official trip to Saudi Arabia since he first toured the nation in 1986.

Britain's Prince Charles, wearing a traditional Saudi attire, attends the traditional Saudi dance known as "Arda," which was performed during Janadriya culture festival at Der'iya in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 18, 2014.
Britain's Prince Charles, wearing a traditional Saudi attire, attends the traditional Saudi dance known as "Arda," which was performed during Janadriya culture festival at Der'iya in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 18, 2014. Reuters
 

First published on February 19, 2014 / 8:26 AM EST

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