Prince of Thailand lands plane in Valencia to buy Lladró figurines

The Royal couple landed early in the evening with their entourage in their private jet, a Boeing 737, which they use frequently for State visits around the world, and were met on the runway by staff from the Thai embassy.

They were then taken in limousines to the Lladró factory in nearby Tavernes Blanques where they bought a number of figurines.

About three hours after landing in Manises airport, they were taken back there to board the aircraft for their onward journey, to a destination which has not been disclosed.

The Prince and Princess of Thailand's visit to the factory where the world-famous porcelain figurines are made exclusively comes at a difficult time for the firm, which is undergoing a 'restructure', according to the media.

Queen Sirikit, Prince Maha's mother, knows co-founder José Lladró personally as he visited her in Thailand – a major market for the porcelain creations - in 1996.

Whilst there, José Lladró was keen to find out what type of ornaments the Queen of Thailand liked best, asking her about her favourite colours and shapes.

The Queen replied that in her opinion, the most interesting aspect of Lladró porcelain was the techniques employed in creating them.

Since then, the Thai Royal family has been a loyal customer of Lladró.

Prince Maha is never far from the headlines in his own country, regularly attracting controversy: he has married three times, and his current wife's own family members have been accused of setting up illegal casinos and dealing in contraband petroleum.