UAE falconry gift for UK prince

The bird will be looked after at a UK breeding centre

An unusual gift was given to Prince Andrew by a United Arab Emirates sheikh during a Berkshire falconry festival.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan presented him with a white female gyrfalcon in recognition of the relationship between the UK and UAE.

The bird is highly prized by Arab falconers and will be kept on his behalf at a breeding centre in the UK.

The gift came during the second International Festival of Falconry at Engelfield Estate in Theale.

The gyrfalcon, which is the largest of its species, has royal connections dating back to the Middle Ages when only a king could hunt with it.

The presented falcon stood 21in (53.3cm) from shoulder to tail and weighed 3.5lbs (1.6kg).

It will be looked after at a UK breeding centre

The sheikh, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been able to reinforce the bonds of friendship between the UAE and the UK through the giving of a royal gift to the Duke of York."

A 1.2 acre (0.5 hectare) Abu Dhabi village was also set up for the event in the grounds of the stately home.

The festival attracts exhibitors from 50 participating nations.