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King Charles hosted a grand state banquet for Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, celebrating the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the UK.
Opening his speech in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle by greeting guests in the Yoruba language, the King described the Nigerian community in the UK as a "living bridge" connecting the two nations.
The event was attended by 160 guests, including notable figures such as England rugby captain Maro Itoje, Olympic athlete Christine Ohuruogu, and poet Sir Ben Okri, alongside senior royals including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Special arrangements were made to respect the fasting month of Ramadan, including setting aside a prayer room at Windsor Castle and foregoing the usual lunch hosted by the King during state visits.
A signature cocktail named the "crimson bloom" was created for the occasion, blending the Nigerian drink Zobo with English rose soda, hibiscus, and ginger syrup. Alcoholic beverages such as fine red and white wines, port, and whisky were also available to guests.
In his speech, King Charles emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, stating that "people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another in peace." He also highlighted the significance of partnerships like that between Nigeria and the UK standing firm "when rain clouds gather."
The King celebrated cultural ties, noting how "Afrobeats fill our concert halls and Nollywood captivates our screens." He also acknowledged the "painful marks" of their shared history, referring to colonialism, and expressed hope for a future "worthy of those who bore the pains of the past."
The banquet featured an elaborately decorated table with spring flowers and a meat-free menu, including:
- Soft boiled quail egg tartlet with watercress, kale, and basil sabayon
- Fillet of turbot with lobster mousse wrapped in spinach, beurre blanc sauce, sprouting broccoli with hollandaise, fricassee of peas and broad beans, and Jersey Royal potatoes
- Iced blackcurrant soufflé with red fruit coulis
The two-day state visit began Wednesday morning with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu and the First Lady, dressed in traditional robes, were greeted with royal pomp including a carriage procession into the castle quadrangle, a military band performance, a gun salute, national anthems, and an inspection of the guards. The Household Cavalry also paraded before the King, Queen, and guests.
Official gifts were exchanged: the Nigerian president and First Lady received hand-crafted pottery, a silver photo frame with a picture of the King and Queen, and a silver and enamel bowl. In return, the King and Queen were presented with a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewelry box featuring the faces of notable Nigerian women.
President Tinubu, a Muslim, and his Christian wife attended an interfaith event at Windsor Castle aimed at fostering religious harmony.
The visit comes amid tensions in Nigeria, following recent suicide bombings in the north-eastern state of Borno attributed to Boko Haram militants, resulting in at least 23 deaths and over 100 injuries.
This is Nigeria's first state visit to the UK in 37 years, serving to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The visit aims to enhance business links, particularly in financial services, and acknowledges the strong personal and family connections, with over 270,000 Nigerian-born residents living in the UK.
"This state visit is about turning a historic relationship into a modern economic partnership - transforming trust into opportunity," said Nigeria's government spokesman Mohammed Idris. "Nigeria's economic reforms are unlocking the potential of Africa's largest consumer market. The United Kingdom is a natural partner in what comes next."
