King Charles and Queen Camilla bid farewell to Nigerian president and first lady after landmark state visit ‘marked by genuine warmth’

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

The King and Queen bid farewell to the President and First Lady of Nigeria at Windsor Castle today following their successful state visit. 

Standing outside the entrance, Charles and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke for a few seconds before warmly shaking hands and saying goodbye. 

Noting the blue skies and sunshine, the Queen said to Mrs Tinubu: ‘Well it’s a lovely day.’

The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards lined the quadrangle in the Castle, as a trumpeter sounded a royal salute before the President and the First Lady left the grounds in a waiting Bentley car.

A palace spokesman said: ‘The visit was marked by genuine warmth and mutual respect from the King and the President.

‘As demonstrated from their two speeches at the State Banquet, there exists a strong friendship and wealth of opportunity between our two nations.

‘With the complexity of geopolitical issues across the world, it underscores the importance of standing close and proud with our Commonwealth partners.’

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On Wednesday night, the King hosted a state banquet in honour of the couple that was attended by senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence. 

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, took their seats among the British royals for the crescendo of their two-day visit.

Princess Catherine looked impossibly regal in a flowing green evening gown by Andrew Gn with her favourite Lover’s Knot Tiara and earrings that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

She showed the guests the best of British hospitality, smiling warmly as she took her seat between the president and another of his entourage.

The rest of the present royals added to the dazzling display, with the Prince of Wales wearing a white tie with the Windsor tailcoat and his Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the ‘Lesser George’.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla sported a cream embroidered gown by Fiona Clare with a sapphire and diamond tiara with matching earrings, both belonging to Queen Elizabeth II and given to her by her late father, George VI, as a wedding gift.

The King also wore a blinding array of diamond-studded orders as he led the procession into the banquet hall and stood to give a speech.

Notable Nigerians include author Sir Ben Okri, artist Yinka Shonibare, footballer Eniola Aluko, singer Tiwa Savage, presenter Ade Adepitan, athlete Christine Ohuruogu and Diana Awards chief Tessie Ojo.

In a speech, the King began by wishing his guests ‘peace, blessings and an abundance of joy’ during such a holy month.

He highlighted the fact that, in January, Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa.

He also praised the UK’s large Nigerian diaspora, which he described as a ‘living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations… and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous’.

The King acknowledged that there are ‘chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks’ but said that ‘history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in growth and hope for all, and worthy of of those who borne the pains of the past’.

He concluded to cheers: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ – Nigerians Never Come Last.

Adjustments had been made for those guests who are Muslim and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, including setting aside an area for prayer and Iftar.

Indeed, for the first time in living memory, the royal household was serving canapés at the pre-banquet reception for guests to break their fast, mindful of the fact that, after the speeches, people would not be eating until 9pm.

While the president – the first Nigerian leader to be honoured with a state visit in 37 years – had been given orange juice for his toast, a special non-alcoholic cocktail was also made in honour of the occasion.

Based on a traditional African cocktail known as The Chapman, the royal Crimson Bloom contained Zobo (a traditional West African soft drink), English rose soda and homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup, with lemon and a hint of spice.

English sparkling wine was used for the toasts for those who were drinking alcohol, and the menu did not include meat.

This morning, the president and first lady left Windsor Castle at 10.30am to travel to Westminster Abbey, where the President laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Afterwards, the Nigerian president travelled to No. 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister.

The First Lady visited Lambeth Palace, where Mrs Tinubu attended a short Service of Prayer before being invited to preach. 

The First Lady also joined a reception at Lambeth Palace with representatives from the Church of England and faith charities, including Christian Aid and Mothers’ Union, who have supported work in Nigeria.

As the state visit concludes, the President and First Lady will reunite to view the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern before attending a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. 

They will depart the UK later this evening.

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