A regal ceremony unfolded at Windsor Castle on 20 October 2026, as the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, was officially welcomed to the United Kingdom by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. This grand occasion marked the Sultan’s state visit, emphasising the close diplomatic relations between the UK and Oman.
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Prince William, aged 44, began the day’s events with a warm reception of the Sultan at his residence before escorting him to Windsor. The couple’s presence at such a significant event underscores their commitment to fostering international ties. Joined by the King and the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales took centre stage at the Royal Dais on Datchet Road for the official welcome ceremony.
Princess Kate, also 44, made a fashion statement in a deep green coat by renowned designer Sarah Burton, famed for creating her wedding dress in 2011. In a nod to Oman’s national colours, the Princess’s choice of green showcased her flair for what has been termed ‘diplomatic dressing’, a tradition she has embraced throughout her royal engagements.
The atmospheric welcome included a series of royal gun salutes from both Windsor’s Home Park and the Tower of London, approximately 40 miles away. Following the salutes, a horse-drawn carriage procession took place, with the royal family making their way to the historic Windsor Castle.
During the procession, the King rode in the Irish State Coach alongside the Sultan, while Queen Camilla was seen in the Scottish State Coach with the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales occupied the Australian State Coach together with two members of the Omani royal family.
At the castle’s Quadrangle, the regimental band performed both the Omani and UK national anthems, setting a ceremonial tone for the day. Subsequently, King Charles and the Sultan inspected the Guard of Honour before joining with the rest of the royal family to observe a military march past.
Following the formal welcoming ceremony, the Sultan was invited to lunch with the British royal family, offering an opportunity for further diplomatic discussions. The gathering moved to the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, where the Sultan was shown historical artefacts related to Oman from the extensive royal collection.
Later that evening, a splendid white-tie dinner was scheduled to take place in the magnificent St. George’s Hall, completing the day’s formalities on a high note. This celebratory event not only catered to the Sultan’s visit but also reflected the grandeur of royal hospitality.
On the following morning, 21 October, the royal family was poised to bid farewell to the Sultan as he proceeded to London for an important meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The Sultan’s itinerary continued with an anticipated banquet at the historic Guildhall, which was set to further cement the ties between Oman and Britain.
Amidst these royal duties, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William were also scheduled to travel to Aberfan, Wales, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the catastrophic mining disaster that took place in 1966, claiming the lives of 116 children and 28 adults. This visit highlights the royals’ commitment to acknowledging significant historical events and their impact on communities.
The Sultan of Oman’s visit to Britain marks the second state visit of the year, following the earlier reception of the Nigerian president in March. As the royal family’s calendar remains filled with engagements, King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing for a trip to the Caribbean for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next month, while Prince William is set to host the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Mumbai, India, around the same time.
This visit not only signifies the warmth of diplomatic relations between the UK and Oman but also showcases the evolving roles of the royal family in engaging with international leaders, striving to build a legacy of cooperation and understanding on the global stage.