Bahrain's historic UK ties were underlined yesterday as His Majesty King Hamad attended celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee.

He was accompanied by wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and son, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as he joined kings and queens from around the world for a banquet at Windsor Castle.

He congratulated the world's longest-ruling monarch and praised her role in strengthening ties with Bahrain. His Majesty also wished Queen Elizabeth health and happiness and more growth to Britain.

His Majesty and HRH Princess Sabeeka were welcomed on arrival at Windsor Castle by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip.

Bahraini students studying in Britain gathered outside the castle, carrying Bahraini flags and photographs of the leaders, reaffirming allegiance to the leadership. They also carried messages of good wishes for the Queen.-TradeArabia News Service