King Charles III set aside traditional royal protocol on Wednesday to personally greet Bola Tinubu and his delegation in Yoruba at a state banquet held at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle.
President Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, and other senior Nigerian officials, is in the United Kingdom for a two-day state visit that commenced on Wednesday.
Addressing the 160 invited guests in Yoruba, King Charles said, “Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” which translates as, “Welcome, how are you doing?” Tinubu responded with a hearty laugh, reciprocating the monarch’s gesture.
In a departure from tradition, the usual royal lunch was not held in recognition of Tinubu observing the Muslim Ramadan fast.
The evening banquet included a nod to Nigerian culture, featuring the popular Zobo drink made from hibiscus leaves. Alcoholic beverages, including red and white wines, port, and whisky, were also served.
The banquet was attended by prominent figures, including Nigerian sports personalities Maro Itoje, England rugby union captain; Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic athlete; and literary figure Ben Okri. Senior British royals, such as Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were present, along with political figures including Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives.
In his address, King Charles lauded the Nigerian diaspora in the UK as a “living bridge” and “quiet heroes” at the “heart of British life,” echoing President Tinubu’s description of the diaspora as “the strongest bridge” between the two countries.
The king also emphasised the importance of religious tolerance, asserting that people of different faiths “can, do, and must live alongside one another in peace,” and stressed that the UK and Nigeria should stand together in times of challenge.
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Acknowledging the “painful marks” of colonialism, the monarch reflected, “I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can,” while expressing hope for a future “worthy of those who bore the pains of the past.”
This visit marks the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years and the first banquet during Ramadan hosting a Muslim president in nearly a century. The last comparable event was in 1928 when King George V hosted Afghanistan’s King Amanullah Khan.
Upon arrival at Windsor Castle, Tinubu and Oluremi were received with full ceremonial honours, including a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Gifts were exchanged between the two nations: the president and his wife received hand-crafted pottery, a silver photo frame with a picture of the king and queen, and a silver and enamel bowl, while King Charles and Camilla were presented with a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewellery box featuring the faces of prominent Nigerian women.
The historic banquet and state visit underscore deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as recognition of shared heritage and mutual respect