King Charles Hosts Historic Ramadan State Banquet for Nigerian President
The Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom has commenced, with King Charles III undertaking his inaugural hosting duties for an international leader in 2026. As per established protocol for state visits, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are being honoured with a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle this evening. Senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, are in attendance to mark this significant diplomatic occasion.
A Menu Reflecting Cultural Sensitivity and Tradition
The Palace has unveiled the menu for the banquet, a multi-course feast meticulously designed to honour Nigerian culture while respectfully observing the holy month of Ramadan. This event marks the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly a century, prompting several historic adaptations by the Royal Household.
In a notable departure from tradition, canapés will be served prior to the main dinner. This thoughtful provision offers sustenance to Muslim guests who were observing iftar, the sunset meal to break their daily fast. Additionally, a dedicated prayer room was established within Windsor Castle to accommodate guests participating in this religious observance.
The Crimson Bloom: A Specially Crafted Mocktail
The banquet features a bespoke non-alcoholic after-dinner drink named Crimson Bloom. This creation is a respectful twist on the Chapman, a classic Nigerian beverage typically made with Sprite, Fanta, cucumber, grenadine syrup, and Angostura bitters. The Royal Household's version innovatively uses Zobo, a popular West African drink derived from dried hibiscus flowers.
This is blended with an English rose soda and a homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup, sharpened with lemon and a hint of spice. While King Charles introduced the custom of serving a unique after-banquet cocktail at state dinners, these are usually alcoholic. In keeping with Ramadan observance, President Tinubu will deliver his toast with orange juice. Wine and sparkling English wine were available for guests who consume alcohol.
An Elegant and Considerate Feast
The main course respectfully features fish instead of a traditional meat dish, consisting of fillet of turbot with lobster mousse wrapped in spinach, beurre blanc sauce, sprouting broccoli with Hollandaise sauce, a fricassee of peas and broad beans, and Jersey royal potatoes. The starter is a vegetarian soft-boiled quail egg tartlet with watercress, kale, and a basil sabayon. Dessert is an iced blackcurrant soufflé accompanied by a red fruit coulis.
Ceremonial Exchanges and Royal Welcomes
Earlier in the day, the customary exchange of gifts took place. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu presented Queen Camilla with a "Matriarchs of Nigeria" jewellery box, adorned with images of influential Nigerian women. President Tinubu gifted King Charles an Eyo statuette, commemorating the Yoruba cultural festival from Lagos.
In return, the King presented President Tinubu with a large peacock plate, or Okin plate, crafted by The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in Cairo. Queen Camilla gifted the First Lady a silver and enamel bowl created by Northern Irish silversmith Cara Murphy. The visiting delegation also received a signed photograph of the King and Queen in a silver frame.
The Prince and Princess of Wales initiated the day's proceedings by welcoming the Nigerian President and First Lady at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel. They then escorted the dignitaries to Windsor town centre for the formal meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The Princess of Wales paid sartorial tribute by wearing a grey coat dress designed by British-Nigerian fashion designer Tolu Coker.
This state banquet, with its thoughtful adaptations for Ramadan, underscores a modern and respectful approach to royal diplomacy, honouring both tradition and the religious practices of visiting dignitaries.
