Queen Camilla hosted a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle on March 18, 2026, welcoming Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as part of their official visit to the UK. The event marked the culmination of a day filled with regal ceremonies and diplomatic engagements, showcasing the longstanding ties between the UK and Nigeria.
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The royal couple were joined by other members of the British royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were also dressed in their finest for the white-tie occasion. This was a notable event for Queen Camilla, as it was her first time wearing a tiara in 2026. She adorned the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, complemented by exquisite earrings from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. Her elegant cream embroidered gown by Fiona Clare was further enhanced with the Garter sash and the King’s Royal Family Order, adding to her royal elegance.
Princess Kate opted for the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara, a signature piece in her jewellery collection. Her gown, created by Andrew Gn, was reminiscent of the shades found in the Nigerian flag, underscoring the significance of the visit. This display of sartorial elegance across the royal family set the tone for the prestigious evening.
Throughout her time in the royal spotlight, Queen Camilla has often embraced the tiara as a symbol of her position, despite not wearing one on her wedding day to King Charles in 2005. Since Charles ascended the throne in 2022, Camilla has expanded her collection of royal headpieces, notably wearing Queen Mary’s Crown during the King’s coronation in 2023. This choice aimed to reflect principles of sustainability, as she opted to wear a historic piece rather than commissioning a new crown.
The state banquet took place in the grand St George’s Hall, which has hosted numerous royal events, including the wedding reception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Preparations for the banquet began several days in advance, with palace staff meticulously arranging decorations and flower arrangements sourced from royal gardens. Following the event, any flowers that could not be reused would be gifted to Floral Angels, a charity supported by Queen Camilla, which distributes floral donations to various community services.
During the banquet, both King Charles and President Tinubu delivered speeches, reflecting the significance of their countries’ relationship. In a nod to the President’s Islamic faith, he opted for a non-alcoholic toast made with fruit juice, while the banquet itself featured a unique cocktail inspired by Nigerian traditions.
The state visit began with an official welcome outside Windsor, followed by a ceremonial horse-drawn carriage ride to the castle. The First Couple also paid their respects with a private visit to the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II located in St George’s Chapel, reaffirming their connections to British royal history.
This diplomatic occasion marks the fourth consecutive state visit hosted at Windsor Castle, which has become the venue of choice while Buckingham Palace is undergoing renovations. With its rich history and grandeur, Windsor Castle continues to serve as a fitting backdrop for such important events.
The visit is particularly significant, coming nearly two years after Prince Harry and Meghan’s trip to Nigeria before they stepped back from their royal duties and moved to California. In the context of Britain’s evolving royal landscape, such state visits are crucial in fostering international relations and showcasing the UK’s commitment to diplomacy.
As the evening drew to a close, the memorable banquet not only celebrated Nigerian-British relations but also highlighted the royal family’s ongoing engagement with diplomatic and cultural exchange throughout the Commonwealth.