Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu received a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, kicking off a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The couple were greeted by King Charles III and treated to a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, followed by a review of a Guard of Honour formed by the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
Before arriving at Windsor Castle, Prince William and Princess Catherine met the President and his wife at the Fairmont Hotel for formal introductions.
At the castle, King Charles exchanged gifts with the Nigerian delegation and showcased items from the Royal Collection linked to Nigeria.
“This visit reinforces the strong ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” said a senior Nigerian aide accompanying the president.
The itinerary includes a banquet featuring speeches by Tinubu and King Charles, and a wreath-laying ceremony at St George’s Chapel in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The First Lady is scheduled to preach at Lambeth Palace and meet Church of England representatives, highlighting faith and cultural diplomacy.
On Thursday, Tinubu is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Nigerian diaspora.
Analysts say the visit provides a platform for discussions on security, trade, and governance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, while deepening economic and strategic partnerships established in 2024.
