The first day of a four-day state visit to Britain by the German President Roman Herzog has been overshadowed by an incident in which a cavalryman escorting Queen Elizabeth and Mr Herzog to Windsor Castle was hurt when he was thrown from his horse.

He was admitted to hospital suffering from a shoulder injury but was later discharged.

Before a private lunch Mr Herzog and the Queen inspected a gilded cross -- a gift from Britain for the church of Our Lady in Dresden which was destroyed by allied bombers in World War II.

During his visit President Herzog will also meet the prime minister, Tony Blair, and opposition leaders.

RADIO H/L: A Cavalryman has been injured after having been thrown from his horse when escorting the Queen and the German president.