Saudi crown prince inspects fragments of the world’s oldest Quran in London - in pictures

The Birmingham Quran, thought to be from the time of the Prophet Mohammed, is on display at Lambeth Palace in London

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman views The Birmingham Quran during a private meeting at Lambeth Palace in London with UK's Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. All photos by Yui Mok / Reuters

Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby shows The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman a selection of early texts from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths.

Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby greets the Saudi Crown Prince at Lambeth Palace.

The Saudi crown prince is on a three-day visit to London.

Mohammed bin Salman is in the UK boosting business ties.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, got a glimpse of what is thought to be fragments of the world's oldest Quran during his official visit to the UK.

Roadiocarbon dating of the Birmingham Quran revealed it originated in the period of 568-645 - around the same time as the Prophet Mohammed.

The text contains the words from Surah Al-Kahf, Surah Maryam and Surah Ta-Ha, chapters 18-20 of the Quran.

The Saudi crown prince was joined by the UK's Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Church of England, at Lambeth Palace where the treasured text is housed.

An interactive version of the Birmingham Quran was displayed in the UAE last year.

The Saudi crown price is on a three-day visit to the UK where he is promoting ties between London and Riyadh.

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