Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Windsor Castle in a historic state visit, marking the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader has been formally received in the United Kingdom.
The two-day visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties as trade between the UK and Nigeria hits record levels, according to Al Jazeera.
The visit began with a ceremonial welcome featuring a carriage procession, military parade, and royal salute.
President Tinubu, in traditional attire alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, inspected British guards as a military band performed.
The usual state lunch was skipped due to Ramadan, with alternative arrangements including a prayer room.
The evening state banquet was the highlight, hosting about 160 guests in St George’s Hall.
King Charles opened with Yoruba greetings, drawing applause, and described Nigeria as “an economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice.”
Tiwa Savage, Maro Itoje, Christine Ohuruogu, Eni Aluko, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were among high-profile guests at the event.
In its character, the banquet reflected cultural sensitivity.
A non-alcoholic cocktail, “Crimson Bloom”, blended Nigerian zobo with English rose soda, while wines and whisky were available separately. The menu, according to reports, was meat-free, featuring quail egg tartlet, turbot with lobster mousse, and blackcurrant soufflé.
In his speech, the King stressed unity across faiths, saying people of different religions “can, do, and must live alongside one another in peace.”
Tinubu, a Muslim, and his wife, a Christian, also attended an interfaith event at the castle.
The King acknowledged the legacy of colonialism, noting no words can erase the past but expressing hope for a future built on partnership.
King Charles guided Tinubu through Nigerian artefacts in the royal collection, including works by Ben Okri and a Yoruba throne gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. The delegation laid a wreath at her tomb in St George’s Chapel.
The visit carries economic and diplomatic weight.
Nigeria is central to Britain’s ambitions as a hub for African business, with further talks expected on trade and financial services. Oluremi Tinubu is also set to visit Lambeth Palace.
It comes amid security concerns in Nigeria linked to Boko Haram, but both nations are prioritising cooperation.