In a significant move reflecting the evolving nature of royal traditions, the Prince and Princess of Wales were recently photographed for their state portrait by British-Nigerian photographer Christianah Ebenezer. This marks a departure from previous practices and represents a thoughtful gesture ahead of the banquet held on March 18 in honour of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
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Christianah Ebenezer expressed her gratitude, stating, “It was a true honour to collaborate on this piece.” Born in Lagos and relocating to London during her childhood, Ebenezer’s work with the royal family is not new; she previously photographed Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, for her 60th birthday portraits in January 2025. The Duchess wanted to be depicted in a different light as she entered a new chapter in her life, leading to a relaxed and collaborative photoshoot, according to Ebenezer.
The recent portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales saw them adopting the practice of flag dressing, with Princess Kate donning an emerald green dress by Andrew Gn, alluding to Nigeria’s national colours. This conscious choice signifies the royal family’s respect and acknowledgement of cultural ties during the state visit. It is also notable that this was the couple’s first time being photographed together by Ebenezer, enhancing the portrait’s significance.
Complementing this royal occasion, Princess Kate’s ensemble showcased her openness to exploring new fashion designs. Specifically, she wore a grey coat dress by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, featuring a corset-style back. This choice was particularly noteworthy as it represented a departure from her usual style. The inspiration for the contemporary design may have ties to her father-in-law, King Charles, who attended Coker’s fashion show during London Fashion Week earlier this year.
The visit by the Nigerian president and first lady was of particular significance, being the first visit from Nigeria to the UK in 37 years. Recognising the cultural and religious context, the royal family carefully structured the engagement schedule, taking into account that Ramadan coincided with this significant event. As President Tinubu is a Muslim and observes fasting, he and King Charles opted out of the traditional tea gathering in favour of a private meeting.
In a further consideration for the dignitaries, a special iftar meal was arranged at the palace for President Tinubu and his delegation to break their fast. Traditional elements also remained present at the state banquet, with the customary toast involving a non-alcoholic beverage, acknowledging the dietary restrictions during Ramadan.
The state visit also provided a platform for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to engage with the wider community. She was invited to deliver a sermon at Lambeth Palace, the historic seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This occasion was particularly significant as she became one of the first visiting preachers welcomed by the first female Archbishop, Dame Sarah Mullally.
In her remarks at Lambeth Palace, the First Lady highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding, stating, “We have to learn to listen to each other and try to get the good out of everyone, irrespective of who we are or who we worship.” This message resonates with the ongoing dialogue surrounding unity and respect among diverse communities.
Overall, the royal family’s decision to integrate cultural awareness into their engagements speaks volumes about their commitment to fostering inclusivity. The latest portrait session and the careful planning for the Nigerian delegation illustrate a modern monarchy that is attuned to contemporary issues while honouring traditional customs. Through such endeavours, the Prince and Princess of Wales continue to navigate their royal duties, balancing tradition with innovation and cultural sensitivity.