King Charles III hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom on Wednesday evening at a pre-visit reception ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The reception, held at an undisclosed royal venue, featured traditional jollof rice and live music from Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra. The Royal Family described the event on its official X handle as “a wonderful evening.”
“Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria. With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra — it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us,” the Royal Family posted.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are scheduled to travel to the UK as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The last Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom was former military president Ibrahim Babangida in 1989, when he was hosted for four days by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In preparation for Tinubu’s arrival, British authorities have announced extensive security measures around Windsor. Thames Valley Police, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners, will extend airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle on March 18 from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said armed officers, search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units, and Project Servator resources would be deployed across Windsor, supported by an extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers. Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, potentially causing temporary disruptions in and around the area during the visit.
