Prince Harry

Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry has embarked on a tour of the Middle East.

The 30-year-old royal arrived in Oman yesterday (18.11.14) despite the absence of the country's ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who has fallen ill and is being treated at a hospital in Germany.

Rather than cancel the trip entirely, Harry - who was invited to the gulf state along with his brother Prince William, who was unable to attend - proceeded with the visit in a bid to strengthen ties between the two countries' royal families.

According to MailOnline, the fourth-in-line to the British throne was treated by the Sultan's first cousin His Highness Sayyid Haithem Bin Tariq Al Said to an extravagant dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace Hotel in the country's capital Muscat.

Harry was overheard passing on kind words to the royal from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, as the pair posed for a photocall following his arrival.

He said: "I send best wishes from Her Majesty. She is very well."

Harry will travel to nearby Abu Dhabi on Thursday (20.11.14), where he will take part in a charity polo match.