Zulu queen: New look for duchess

The Duchess of Cornwall tried on a traditional Zulu headdress in a township in Johannesburg yesterday.

She is in South Africa with her husband the Prince of Wales as part of an eight-day Commonwealth tour.

The royal couple looked relaxed as they mingled with the crowds in Soweto, one of the most significant places in the country’s political history.

They shook hands with some of the hundreds of people who came to see them, and the duchess was given a hug by one wellwisher.

A gospel choir dressed in elaborate and colourful costumes greeted the couple with traditional songs as they arrived in Walter Sisulu Square, also known as Freedom Square.

Excited residents ululated, clapped their hands and cheered. The duchess was given the brown and black headdress by Nthabiseng Dibakoane, a businesswoman who specialises in hand-made bags, hats, shoes and ethnic dresses.