11:43

Theresa May greeted Saudi officials in Riyadh without wearing a headscarf as she arrived in the conservative Muslim nation - though Foreign Office advice recommends women cover their heads and wear full-length cloaks.

The prime minister descended the steps of her plane at King Salman airbase dressed in a sweeping navy coat and black suit trousers, a scarf loosely around her neck.

Downing Street officials had recommended women in the prime minister’s delegation ensured their wrists and ankles were covered in conservative clothing, to respect local customs.

The FCO recommends female visitors “wear conservative, loose-fitting clothes as well as a full length cloak (abaya) and a headscarf.”

May is not the first female leader to eschew a headscarf in Saudi Arabia, including German chancellor Angela Merkel and Michelle Obama, though the former First Lady drew some criticism from Saudi commentators for doing so.

Camilla, the duchess of Cornwall, wore a turquoise headscarf and abaya during her recent visit, though Margaret Thatcher opted instead for a long dress and hat when she visited in 1985.