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King Charles praises UK-Nigeria partnership on Tinubu visit

Louis Oelofse with AFP, dpa, Reuters
March 19, 2026

Bola Tinubu became the first Nigerian president to deliver remarks at Windsor Castle, attending a state banquet held in his honor by King Charles. Tinubu is on a two-day state ​visit to the UK.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aexv
President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivers his speech as the Princess of Wales and King Charles III listen during the state banquet at Windsor Castle on March 18, 2026
Bola Tinubu and King Charles delivered speeches at a lavish state banquetImage: Yui Mok/empics/picture alliance

Britain's King Charles has hailed what he calls a "partnership of equals" between the United Kingdom and Nigeria during a state banquet for President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Tinubu is on a state visit to the UK, the first by a leader of Africa's most populous nation in almost four decades.

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and King Charles III inspect the guard of honour during the ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK
Tinubu joined Charles to inspect the honor guard of British soldiers in traditional scarlet jackets and bearskin hatsImage: Chris Jackson/empics/picture alliance

Charles said people with ties to both Britain and Nigeria form a "living bridge" between the countries, calling Nigerians "quiet heroes" at the heart of British life.

Britain is home to a large Nigerian diaspora, with about 300,000 Nigerians living in the UK.

Acknowledging Nigeria's past as a British colony, the monarch noted that there are "chapters that I know have left painful marks," adding that "no words" could dissolve these.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla with Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and first lady Oluremi Tinubu, view exhibits from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing room during Tinubu's two-day state visit, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, Britain, March 18, 2026
The king and queen showed the president and first lady items from the Royal Collection reflecting the ties between Britain and NigeriaImage: Hannah McKay/Avalon/Photoshot/picture alliance

UK moves to bolster role as African business hub

Trade between the two countries is at a record high, and the UK is using the two-day visit to highlight deep cultural and commercial links.

Nigeria's presidency said the visit signalled a "renewed chapter" and reflected a shared commitment to "advancing trade and strengthening diplomatic ties."

"Our two nations share a vision of progress" based on "mutual respect and common values," Tinubu told the king in his speech.

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and King Charles III chat during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on March 18, 2026
The state visit did not include a lunch ​as Tinubu is a practising Muslim who is fasting during Ramadan, but the ​state banquet took place late on Wednesday eveningImage: Yui Mok/empics/picture alliance

Charles called Nigeria an "economic powerhouse," saying it has "not just changed, but arrived."

He highlighted growing investment ties, noting Nigerian banks in London and British financing for Nigerian port projects.

Guests at the banquet included ministers and business leaders as well as sports stars and cultural figures with Nigerian heritage. 

Tinubu is due to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday. He is also scheduled to meet members of the Nigerian community abroad.

Großbritannien Windsor 2026 | Prinz & Prinzessin von Wales empfangen Nigerias Präsidenten Tinubu
Earlier, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu chatted with Prince William, heir to the throne, and his wife, CatherineImage: Yui Mok/empics/picture alliance

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Louis Oelofse | News and Current Affairs
Louis Oelofse DW writer and editor