02-01-2008 14:00
Spain's King Juan Carlos saw in the New Year in Kuwait with the country's Emir, Sabah al Ahmad al Sabah, at the Spanish Embassy.
The monarch - who was in the country after making a surprise visit to Spanish troops stationed in Afghanistan - celebrated 2008 with a glass of champagne and 12 lucky grapes, which he ate in time with the improvised chimes from a silver spoon and silver tray.
The chimes of midnight - which took place in Kuwait at 10pm Spanish time - were sounded by the business attaché to the Spanish Embassy in Kuwait, Gonzalo de Ojeda.
However, the king had to ask him to slow down at one point.
The celebrations were accompanied by a chocolate cake decorated with the flags of Spain and Kuwait, and a toast to the king proposed by Spain's Chief of Defence Staff Félix Sanz.
Juan Carlos responded to the toast, saying: "Viva España! - Long live Spain!"
Earlier in the day, Juan Carlos, accompanied by Spain's Defence Minister José Antonio and Sanz, arrived at an army base in Herat to visit troops.
More about King Juan's Kuwait New Year on page 2
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