King Charles hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle for Nigeria’s president and first lady, highlighting diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle for Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, praising the strength and depth of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Speaking in St George’s Hall, the King began by greeting guests in Yoruba and described the Nigerian community in the UK as a “living bridge” between the two nations.
The banquet brought together around 160 guests, including public figures such as England rugby union captain Maro Itoje, Olympic athlete Christine Ohuruogu and poet Sir Ben Okri, alongside senior members of the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Also present were UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, singer Tiwa Savage, former footballer Eni Aluko and space scientist Dame Maggie Aderin.
Adjustments were made to reflect the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. A prayer room was provided within Windsor Castle, and the customary state visit lunch was not held. A specially created non-alcoholic cocktail, named the “crimson bloom”, combined Nigerian zobo with English rose soda, hibiscus and ginger syrup, although alcoholic drinks were also available.
In his speech, the King highlighted the importance of religious tolerance, saying that people of different faiths “can, do, and must live alongside one another in peace”. He described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice” and pointed to cultural exchanges, including “Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens”.
The King also acknowledged the legacy of colonialism, referring to the “painful marks” of a shared history. “I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can,” he said, adding that he hoped for a future “worthy of those who bore the pains of the past”.
The banquet featured a meat-free menu, including a soft-boiled quail egg tartlet, a fillet of turbot with lobster mousse, and an iced blackcurrant soufflé. Tables were decorated with spring flowers in St George’s Hall.
The two-day state visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle. In warm weather, the president and first lady, dressed in traditional attire, were received with a carriage procession, a military display, and a gun salute. National anthems were played, and troops were inspected.
Official gifts were exchanged, with the Nigerian delegation receiving hand-crafted pottery, a silver photo frame and a silver and enamel bowl. The King and Queen were presented with a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewellery box depicting notable Nigerian women.
President Tinubu, a Muslim, and his Christian wife also attended an interfaith event to promote dialogue among religions.
The visit comes at a time of tensions in Nigeria, following suspected suicide bombings in Borno state that killed at least 23 people and injured 108. It is Nigeria’s first state visit to the UK in 37 years and is intended to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties.
Nigeria’s government said the visit would support efforts to deepen business cooperation, particularly in financial services. A government spokesman said the aim was to turn a historic relationship into a modern economic partnership, adding that Nigeria’s reforms were opening opportunities in Africa’s largest consumer market and that the UK was a natural partner.
