Dust storm blows Prince Charles’ Saudi itinerary off course

A desert dust storm has blown the Prince of Wales’s itinerary for his last day in Saudi Arabia off course.

Charles was due to visit world-renowned historical sites around the ancient city of Al-Ula but thick swirling clouds meant a change of plan.

The heir to the United Kingdom throne began by touring Al-Khuraibah, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lihyan, where tombs are carved into the side of the mountains.

His guide was Prince Sultan, the first Muslim and member of royalty to travel into space.

The Arab prince served as the payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.

As Charles was driven to the site in a coach - a rare mode of royal transport - after landing at a nearby airport, swirling clouds of choking dust obscured impressive mountains nearby.