The head of the Diana Award, Tessy Ojo, recently attended a prestigious state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by the British royal family in honour of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The event took place on 18 March 2026, bringing together prominent figures from both nations to strengthen ties and celebrate shared cultural heritage.
During the evening, King Charles III praised Ojo for her commendable leadership of the charity named after his late wife, Princess Diana. The Diana Award is unique as it is the only charity carrying Princess Diana’s name and is actively supported by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Established in 2012, the organisation focuses on empowering young people worldwide to take on leadership roles and recognise their contributions to their communities.
Ojo expressed her delight at meeting the monarch, particularly when he acknowledged her continued work with the Diana Award. “It was really special,” she recounted, remarking on how personal and unexpected the King’s recognition was in such a large gathering. Her engagement with the royal family demonstrated the importance of charity work and its recognition at the highest levels.
In addition to the royal encounter, Ojo was also introduced to President Tinubu, who expressed gratitude for her contributions and said, “Thank you for doing us proud.” This interaction left Ojo feeling a mixture of pride in her British identity and a strong connection to her Nigerian roots. “I began to own both things. I am the two,” she reflected, highlighting the duality of her heritage.
Speeches delivered by both King Charles and President Tinubu underscored the significance of cultural exchange and shared interests between Nigeria and the UK. The King’s address touched on the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to both countries, with humorous references to regional rivalries, such as the beloved debate over who makes the best jollof rice—Nigeria or Ghana. Ojo found this light-hearted moment particularly amusing, stating it brought warmth and humour to the evening’s proceedings.
After the banquet, Prince William approached Ojo in a relaxed setting, expressing his pleasant surprise at seeing her there. Their prior collaborations on various initiatives for the Diana Award made their reunion all the more special. Ojo recalled, “I was going to curtsy and do the formal thing, but he gave me a hug.” This moment underscored the camaraderie and genuine relationships that underpin their work for youth empowerment.
Among the guests was Princess Kate, who donned a striking green dress as a nod to Nigeria’s national colours. Ojo admired this touch, appreciating the thoughtful representation of the evening’s theme. “They got everything right,” she noted, highlighting the attention to detail that characterised the event.
Ojo’s seat was next to Prince Edward, the King’s younger brother, who is involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Their conversation revolved around the challenges faced by today’s youth and the crucial role of family dynamics in fostering social and emotional skills. Ojo emphasised that an effective family environment is essential for giving young people the best possible start in life.
As the evening drew to a close, the event served not only as a diplomatic gathering but also as an opportunity for networking within business, social, and political spheres. Ojo spoke about the importance of embracing one’s dual heritage, stating, “I have pride in my home and being British, and I also have pride in being Nigerian. Those two things can coexist without minimising either.”
The banquet at Windsor Castle thus not only celebrated the visit of Nigeria’s leadership but also reinforced the significance of cross-cultural connections and the enrichment that diverse heritages bring to society. Ojo’s experiences throughout the evening highlighted the power of community, engagement, and the shared responsibility of creating opportunities for the next generation.