The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to play a major role in next week's state visit, it has been revealed.
Prince William and Kate will be pivotal in supporting the King, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, as the royals welcome the President of Nigeria and his wife to the UK.
In fact, they will represent King Charles to welcome the President and First Lady to the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor on Wednesday morning, the second day of the visit, later joining a formal carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
Other engagements William and Kate are involved in include viewing a march past from the dais at Windsor. There will be a banquet at the royal residence that evening, though it's yet unknown whether the Prince and Princess will be joining the King and Queen.
Kate, 44, is often the star of the show at these events, donning glittering jewels such as rare tiaras, and charming guests. It signals that William and Kate are ready to take on more royal responsibilities and are ready to lead the nation one day.
William and Kate's starry state visit roles
Last year, William and Kate played a major part in all three state visits to the UK last year: France, Germany and the US. The Waleses performed a charm offensive for the visiting guests, signifying William's role as a seasoned statesman and positioning the couple as the modern face of the monarchy's most critical diplomatic relationships.
The couple appear to be stepping up to play a greater part in major overseas events, signalling the responsibility they will one day shoulder as King and Queen of England.
© Getty ImagesHELLO!'s royal contributor Tracy Schaverien said previously: "With the King still undergoing treatment for cancer, it’s no surprise that his son and heir is stepping up and taking on greater responsibilities – something we can expect to see him and Kate doing a lot more of in the future."
At each state banquet, the Princess took her seat in St George's Hall next to the visiting presidents – a prime spot at the table.
© Getty ImagesShe gave a hospitable welcome to each of the guests: President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron; the United States' President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump; and Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Ms. Elke Büdenbender.
Trump even gave her a shoutout in his state banquet remarks, calling her "so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful". Royal author Robert Jobson told HELLO! at the time: "She doesn't just represent the monarchy; she embodies its evolution. She is the jewel in the Crown."
Upcoming state visit – details
The Nigerian leader will conduct a state visit to the UK on 18 and 19 March, in the first state visit for a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
© AlamyIt is the first time the UK has hosted a state visit in 2026, with much anticipation in particular surrounding the upcoming state banquet.
Charles has previously been to the African nation on four occasions, travelling there in 1990, 1993, 2006 and 2018, all of which he was the Prince of Wales for.
On Thursday, 19 March, the King and Queen will bid farewell to their guests at Windsor Castle, before they depart the UK in the evening.
