Queen Elizabeth (R), and Princess Anne (L) listen to a speech by the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, at a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, in central London November 22, 2011.Reuters
Queen Elizabeth (R), and Princess Anne (L) listen to a speech by the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, at a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, in central London November 22, 2011.ReutersTurkey's President Abdullah Gul rides in a carriage along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace with Britain's Queen Elizabeth during a state visit in London November 22, 2011.ReutersHayrunnisa Gul (L), wife of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, arrives at Buckingham Palace with Britain's Prince Philip during a state visit in London November 22, 2011.ReutersHayrunnisa Gul, wife of Turkey's President Abdullah Gul arrives at Buckingham Palace during a state visit in London November 22, 2011.ReutersThe President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (FRONT R), accompanied by Britain's Prince Philip (FRONT C) reviews a Guard of Honour on Horse Guards Parade, in central London November 22, 2011.ReutersQueen Elizabeth (L) and the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (R), with Gul's wife Hayrunnisa (C) look at Turkish artefacts from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace, in central London November 22, 201ReutersQueen Elizabeth (L) and the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (R), with Gul's wife Hayrunnisa (C) look at Turkish artefacts from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace, in central London November 22, 201ReutersThe President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (2nd R), accompanied by his wife Hayrunnnisa (3rd L), stands at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey in central London November 22, 2011ReutersThe President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (L) speaks to Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron in 10 Downing Street.ReutersThe President of Turkey Abdullah Gul (L) speaks to Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron in 10 Downing Street.Reuters
Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa was welcomed by the Queen yesterday on the start of his three-day state visit.
Mrs Gul's head was covered with a headscarf, an overtly Muslim item of clothing for which she is often criticised by secularists in her home country.
The government hopes President Gul's visit, which includes being entertained at Buckingham Palace, will forge closer links between Britain and Turkey.
Turkey, which is a growing economic powerhouse, is seen as an increasingly important trade partner.
Gul attended a state banquet after meeting political leaders on Tuesday, while on Wednesday he will deliver a foreign policy speech about the Arab Spring which is expected to touch on Turkey's strained relations with Syria.
After lunch at the palace, Gul visited Prime Minister David Cameron for talks at his Downing Street office.
He will also tour the Olympic Park in east London and visit parliament.
