Bush flies into storm on first day of state visit to Britain

UNITED STATES President George Bush last night began his historic and controversial state visit to Britain amid unprecedented security.

After touching down at Heathrow Airport, Mr Bush and his wife Laura were flown to Buckingham Palace by the presidential helicopter, Marine One, to a private welcome by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

A few minutes earlier, they were warmly greeted by the Prince of Wales in a red carpet reception, complete with guard of honour, at the airport's VIP reception centre.