Freeze Frame ; King Mohammed VI, Jubilee Procession, Morocco, 31/07/06

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Royal progress

King Mohammed VI of Morocco rides through the Place Mechouar in the Royal Palace, Rabat, on a day of celebrations to mark the anniversary of his accession to the throne following the death of his father, Hussan II, seven years ago.

Palatial abode

The Royal Palace was only built in the 18th century but radically remodelled by King Hassan. Among other alterations, he found space inside the walls for a golf course.

Guard of honour

The Moroccan government spends around $2.3m (5 per cent of its GDP) on its armed forces annually. Because of compulsory national service, each year the army welcomes 350,000 young men when …