South African President Jacob Zuma, left, and his wife Thobeka Madiba Zuma arrive at London's Heathrow airport.
Zuma and his wife are greeted by Buckingham Palace officials after they touch downHe is a polygamist who has married at least five times, has 19 children, has fought off corruption charges and been acquitted of rape.
And today South Africa's colourful and controversial president Jacob Zuma touched down in Britain alongside his latest wife in the brilliant winter sunshine.
Mr Zuma - known as JZ to his friends - stepped from his jet with Thobeka Madiba Zuma, 33 years his junior, who he married in January.
The South African President arrived in Britain today for a busy three-day state visit.
And today South Africa's colourful and controversial president Jacob Zuma touched down in Britain alongside his latest wife in the brilliant winter sunshine.
Mr Zuma - known as JZ to his friends - stepped from his jet with Thobeka Madiba Zuma, 33 years his junior, who he married in January.
The South African President arrived in Britain today for a busy three-day state visit.
The president flew to London's Heathrow in a South African Airforce 737 plane and looked relaxed as he walked across the tarmac in a dark suit, while his wife, his newest bride, wore a turquoise dress and matching jacket.
The couple and their entourage were greeted at the airport by Viscount Brookeborough, Lord-in-Waiting, on behalf of the Queen.
The party were taken to the nearby royal suite before being driven away.
The couple and their entourage were greeted at the airport by Viscount Brookeborough, Lord-in-Waiting, on behalf of the Queen.
The party were taken to the nearby royal suite before being driven away.
The official welcome to the UK for the South Africans will be staged tomorrow with British pomp and ceremony on full display.
Traditionally, visiting heads of state receive a ceremonial greeting from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.
Mr Zuma and Prince Philip will review a Guard of Honour before joining the Queen and Mrs Zuma for a state carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Gordon Brown will miss Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons tomorrow to take part in the welcoming ceremony.
Traditionally, visiting heads of state receive a ceremonial greeting from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.
Mr Zuma and Prince Philip will review a Guard of Honour before joining the Queen and Mrs Zuma for a state carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Gordon Brown will miss Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons tomorrow to take part in the welcoming ceremony.
He will hold talks with Mr Zuma on Thursday when Zimbabwe is expected to be high on the agenda as well as climate change, the global economy and the football World Cup, which South Africa is hosting this summer and England hopes to host in 2018.
The president and Mrs Zuma will also visit the former home of anti-apartheid politician Oliver Tambo in Muswell Hill, north London.
In the evening, the Queen will host a state banquet for the South African guests - a glittering affair staged in Buckingham Palace's ballroom.
Highlights of Thursday's events will see the presidential couple visit the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London, with Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.
Later that evening Mr Zuma will give a speech during a banquet at the Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor of London.
On Friday, the final day of the state visit, Mr Zuma will formally says goodbye to the Queen before visiting the Prince of Wales at Clarence House.
A profile on the South African presidency's website declares: 'South Africans know and love him for his prowess on the dance floor and his impeccable vocal cords.'
His love of song can be seen in renditions of the ANC song Umshini wami - translated as Bring Me My Machine Gun - at pro-Zuma rallies.
The president and Mrs Zuma will also visit the former home of anti-apartheid politician Oliver Tambo in Muswell Hill, north London.
In the evening, the Queen will host a state banquet for the South African guests - a glittering affair staged in Buckingham Palace's ballroom.
Highlights of Thursday's events will see the presidential couple visit the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London, with Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.
Later that evening Mr Zuma will give a speech during a banquet at the Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor of London.
On Friday, the final day of the state visit, Mr Zuma will formally says goodbye to the Queen before visiting the Prince of Wales at Clarence House.
A profile on the South African presidency's website declares: 'South Africans know and love him for his prowess on the dance floor and his impeccable vocal cords.'
His love of song can be seen in renditions of the ANC song Umshini wami - translated as Bring Me My Machine Gun - at pro-Zuma rallies.
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