Labour MPs accused Coalition Ministers of arranging for the Queen to "dine with despots" yesterday.

The row erupted after it emerged the King Of Bahrain was invited to a Diamond Jubilee celebration lunch.

King Hamad Al Khalifa's regime is accused of firing on its own people during last year's Arab Spring.

Also on the guest list was Swaziland's King Mswati III, who faces allegations he lives a life of luxury while his people starve.

Labour MP Dennis MacShane said the Foreign Office should "protect the British Queen rather than expose her to having to dine with a despot".

He added: "Many in Britain will regret that the Foreign Secretary, who approves all invitations sent in the Queen's name as head of state, has decided to include a representative of the Bahraini regime which has done such terrible things to its own people since the Arab awakening a year ago."

Earlier in the week, it emerged Queen Sofia of Spain would not attend following reports the Earl of Wessex will make a trip to Gibraltar. Spain wants the UK overseas territory returned to its sovereignty.

The King of Bahrain was joined by his wife Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa at the Jubilee lunch. At a reception held before lunch she was seen talking to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Also attending the event were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and the Duke of York.