King Charles III delivered a historic cultural tribute at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, welcoming President Bola Tinubu in Yoruba during a state banquet that celebrated the “living bridge” between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
In a significant departure from traditional royal protocol, King Charles III opened his state banquet speech at St George’s Hall on Wednesday by greeting President Bola Tinubu and his delegation in Yoruba. “Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” the monarch said, translating to “Welcome, how are you doing?”, a gesture that reportedly drew a hearty laugh and applause from the 160 guests in attendance. The two-day state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, saw Windsor Castle undergo unique adaptations to accommodate the President’s observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In a rare move, the traditional ceremonial lunch was skipped to respect the fast, and the evening’s menu featured Zobo—a popular Nigerian hibiscus drink—as a non-alcoholic option for the President and his entourage.
Beyond the cultural symbolism, the King’s speech struck a balance between celebrating modern achievements and acknowledging historical complexities. He described the half-million people of Nigerian heritage in the UK as “quiet heroes” at the heart of British life and referred to Nigeria as a “cultural force” and an “economic powerhouse.” However, the monarch also addressed the “shadow” of the colonial past, stating that certain chapters of their shared history had left “painful marks” that no words could dissolve. President Tinubu, responding in kind, highlighted the diaspora as the “strongest bridge” between the two nations, emphasizing that the relationship has evolved into a “partnership of equals” focused on shared security and economic growth.
The banquet guest list reflected the deep ties between the two nations, featuring prominent figures such as England rugby captain Maro Itoje, Olympic athlete Christine Ohuruogu, and Booker Prize-winning poet Ben Okri. Senior members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for the event. The visit continues today, Thursday, March 19, with President Tinubu scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing deal aimed at refurbishing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure at the Apapa Quays in Lagos.
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