Bola Ahmed Tinubu began his state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.
The president and his wife, Remi Tinubu, were greeted with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Prior to the castle reception, they met Prince William and Princess Catherine at the Fairmont Hotel for a brief ceremonial ride to Windsor Castle.
At Windsor, King Charles III hosted the Nigerian delegation, including an exchange of gifts and a showcase of Nigerian-related items preserved in the Royal Collection.
The state visit includes a banquet where speeches by President Tinubu and King Charles are expected, with attendance from world leaders and prominent figures. The president and first lady will also lay a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel and meet organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue.
On Thursday, Tinubu is scheduled to meet Keir Starmer and members of the Nigerian diaspora. Earlier, King Charles hosted a reception at St James’s Palace for the Nigerian community abroad.
First Lady Remi Tinubu, a pastor, is set to preach at services at Lambeth Palace and engage with representatives of the Church of England.
The state visit offers an opportunity for both countries to discuss security, trade, governance, and deepen existing diplomatic relations. In November 2024, London and Abuja concluded a strategic partnership to enhance economic, immigration, and security cooperation. African banks operating in the UK and an economic cooperation agreement signed in early 2024 further underscore the strong ties between the two nations.
