Bird of prey gift given to prince - 13/07/09

A white bird of prey will go down as one of the most unusual early Christmas gifts to be received by Prince Andrew.

The Duke of York was given the female gyrfalcon by Abu Dhabi Sheikh His Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, in recognition of the relationship between the UK and the UAE.

The prince - who is thought to have a keen interest in falcons - will name the bird after it was presented to him at a falconry festival in Berkshire. It will be kept on his behalf at a breeding centre in the UK.

The gyrfalcon has a history with royalty dating back to the Middle Ages when only a king could hunt with it.

The creature is strong a powerful with long broad wings, a long square tail and huge pectoral muscles.

Speaking at the second International Festival of Falconry, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, 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."

Bird of prey gift given to prince - 13/07/09

Related Articles