Royal family 18-19 March: King Charles bids farewell to Nigeria's President as state visit wraps up, more

Good morning everyone!

We have a very busy royal day today with the first state visit of 2026. 

Prince William and Kate will greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Mrs Oluremi Tinubu at the Fairmont Hotel Windsor on Wednesday morning, before a ceremonial welcome with the King and Queen at Windsor. 

There will be a carriage procession and state banquet in the evening - so stay with us all day for all the updates! 

The Prince and Princess of Wales are taking on an increasing amount of responsibility when it comes to high-profile and nationally significant occasions. 

This is to prepare them for one day becoming King and Queen. 

Kate, 44, in particular, has become the star of the show on these occasions, charming guests at three state banquets last year. 

To find out more about how she'll be involved in today's visit, read our story here. 

© Instagram / @princeandprincessofwales

I had a very exciting day yesterday - and even got to see the Princess of Wales in person for the St Patrick's Day parade in Aldershot! 

The sun came out just as the Princess arrived meaning we all got to enjoy some rare bright weather for the parade. 

I saw the sprigs of shamrock and even got to meet the Irish Guards' Mascot, Irish Wolfhound Seamus. 

To see behind the scenes of the day and my interview with Seamus handler, watch our video now. 

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have been exiled from the rest of the royal family at Wood Farm in Sandringham, but some things aren't so easily forgotten. 

In fact, his current property, where he is staying while his permanent home, Marsh Farm is renovated, has a link to his father, Prince Philip. 

The Duke of Edinburgh had stepped back from royal duties in 2017 and passed away in 2021. He had moved to Windsor during the pandemic to isolate. 

Our lifestyle writer, Katie Daly, has the details. 

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is spending time out of the spotlight following revelations about her friendship with the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. 

Next week, the Belgian Royal Family are paying a state visit to Norway, but Mette-Marit is not expected to take part, despite being a senior royal. 

This is because her health has deteriorated due to her chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which has left her needing a lung transplant. 

"The Crown Princess's health has deteriorated, which is why she is not currently listed in the program for the state visit," palace communications manager Guri Varpe told Norwegian outlet NRK.

She has only missed three state visits since becoming Crown Princess of Norway in 2001. 

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It's exciting times for Meghan Markle's hairdresser, George Northwood, who has revealed he's become a father for the first time. 

George, 47, revealed the news via Instagram on Tuesday and shared that he has named his son Elijah. 

In the caption, he wrote: "One week of Elijah, totally in love and tuning in to each other, hats off to the single parents out there."

Though Meghan is yet to comment, one of her closest friends, Lindsay Roth, said: "So beyond thrilled for you and Elijah - he’s beautiful and you’re made to be his dad. ❤️🩵♥️biggest hugs!"

Preparations for the state visit are underway in Windsor, and our Royal Editor, Emily Nash, is on the scene. 

Emily says it's a very sunny day in Windsor, where everything looks "magnificent" in preparation for the President of Nigeria's arrival. 

It will start with a ceremonial welcome, before a procession through the town and a display of gifts and items from the Royal Collection Trust. 

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There's a vast army presence in Windsor this morning, as well as members of the press. 

Members of the Blues and Royals, and Life Guards, units of the Household Cavalry, have arrived on horseback ahead of the official welcome. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales have received the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel this morning. 

Prince William and Kate, 44, were representing the King this morning, signalling their increasing responsibility when it comes to state events. 

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William and Kate are ready to escort the guests to Windsor to formally meet the King.

Charles is hosting Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu during their two-day state visit to the UK.

William and Kate met the president and his wife at the luxury spa hotel Fairmont Windsor Park, on the edge of Windsor Great Park, ready to escort them by car to Windsor town centre to formally meet the King and Queen.

The princess opted for diplomatic royal dressing by wearing a coat dress by young British-Nigerian fashioner designer Tolu Coker.

The King made a surprise appearance in the front row of Tolu Coker’s London Fashion Week show last month.

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Her Royal Highness greeted First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Windsor, with the pair seen exchanging a warm conversation. 

William was talking to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before travelling together to Datchet Road in Windsor. 

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The King and Queen have arrived at the Royal Dais in the centre of Windsor, close to Windsor Castle, as they prepare to greet the president of Nigeria.

Charles and Camilla were met with the national anthem, played by a military band.

The King was dressed in a morning suit and carrying a black top hat in the warm spring sunshine while the Queen was wearing a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare, and a pink beret shaped hat by Philip Treacy.

Camilla was also wearing the late Queen’s Cartier flower clip pair of brooches.

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The Princess of Wales is wearing a Tolu Coker Cost dress and hat by Jane Taylor. 

She also paid a sweet tribute to her late mother-in-law, wearing earrings from Princess Diana's collection. 

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Now King Charles has greeted the President of Nigeria after the royal party moved to Datchet Road in Windsor. 

During the ceremonial welcome, the Sovereign's Escort gave a royal salute and the National Anthem was played. 

There will soon be a carriage procession - so stay tuned for more updates! 

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Preparations for this visit have gone on for many months and the King has made several nods to Nigeria in recent weeks, attending a London Fashion Week show by British Nigerian designer Tolu Coker last month and hosting a reception for the Nigerian diaspora last week. 

Moments like this in the lead up to a State Visit show real engagement with the visiting country and help smooth the way for successful soft diplomacy once it gets underway.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have now joined the King and Queen on the Royal Dais for the welcome ceremony in Datchet Road. 

They are standing on the Dais with their guests, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. 

At the Royal Dais, The King and Queen were received by the Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr. Andrew Try. The Silver Stick in Waiting, Brigadier Rupert Evetts, and the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting, Colonel Guy Stone, were also present.

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We're now getting some closer pictures in of the King and Queen, who have now joined the Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the carriage procession. 

Camilla, 78, is wearing pink today, a wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret by Philip Treacy. 

She is also wearing two Cartier flower clips, which previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. 

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While on the Royal Dais, the royal company was presented with the Royal Salute and the Nigerian National Anthem was played. 

Formed in two lines in front of the royal dais was the Guard of Honour – around 100 guardsmen and officers commanded by Major Ben Tracey.

The major stepped forward and told the King and the visiting head of state his guardsmen were ready for inspection and two figures stepped off the dais.

In brilliant spring sunshine the Nigerian president, escorted by the major and with the King a few paces behind, inspected the first row of troops.

We've now got some lovely and bright pictures of everyone standing in the sun today! 

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The King has welcomed the President of Nigeria with an official formal handshake and a broad smile, signalling the connection between the two nations. 

Charles, 77, appears in bright spirits this morning as he prepares to lead the nation in welcoming the guests for the two-day visit. 

Both the Prince and Princess of Wales greeted Queen Camilla with a kiss on both cheeks, with Kate curtsying to Camilla and later the King. 

Charles chatted to the president as they stood side by side on the dais, and pointed out the Sovereign’s Escort from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in their resplendent uniforms.

The President and the First Lady are due to depart tomorrow. 

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One of the most highly anticipated events of the state visit - the official carriage procession - has now begun. 

The King and President are in the Australian State Coach, followed by the Queen and Mrs Tinubu in the Scottish State Coach. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales are in the Irish State Coach. 

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We've got a closer picture of Queen Camilla during the carriage procession now. 

The Queen is with the First Lady Mrs Tinubu in the Scottish State Coach, the second in the procession. 

They are making their way to Windsor Castle, where the afternoon's events will take place. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales are in the third carriage, joined by the Honourable Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General and Honourable Minister for Justice Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. 

The route is going past Datchet Road, Thames Street, High Street, Park Street and Cambridge Gate, before entering the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. 

The route is lined by the Armed Forces. 

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The Princess of Wales is wearing an 80s-style dress in the colour grey. 

The gorgeous garment also featured a secret corset around the back with a lace-up design. 

The apt choice was made by the British-Nigerian fashion designer whose London Fashion Week show King Charles attended last month. 

For more details, see our full story. 

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

The royals have now arrived at Windsor Castle for the next major part of the State Visit. 

In the quadrangle, the carriage procession was met by a Guard of Honour with a Royal Salute and British and Nigerian National Anthems. 

This afternoon, Their Majesties have invited the President and First Lady to view a special exhibition of items in the Royal Collection. 

King Charles and President Tinubu were seen holding hands in a rare moment during the arrival at Windsor Castle. 

President Tinubu, 73, and his wife arrived yesterday at London Stansted Airport for the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 73 years. 

However, there will be no traditional lunch at Windsor as the president is Muslim and is fasting for Ramadan. 

They were still given a warm welcome, with the hand-holding moment perhaps signalling the strong ties of unity that will be shown throughout the visit. 

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Prince William and Kate have been spotted chatting to one another after arriving at Windsor Castle. 

The couple was beaming as they took a quick break from the formal state visit for a light-hearted conversation, smiling at one another as they did so. 

It certainly all looks very positive at Windsor Castle, where it's still very sunny outside. 

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The carriage arrived at Windsor Castle to the Royal Salute and a band playing the British and Nigerian National Anthems. 

More than 1,000 troops were out in force for the diplomatic show of soft power by the royal family.

The occasion is taking place amid the international backdrop of the deepening conflict in the Middle East, with Thames Valley Police saying extensive security measures were being deployed in Windsor.

It is also the first state visit the King has staged since his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of sharing confidential reports with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as the ongoing scandal continues.

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I'm now handing over to Lucy Norris, who will be taking you through this afternoon's events as the state visit continues. 

The royal party is now going inside to view items from the Royal Collection, before the banquet this evening. 

Don't go anywhere - stay with us for all the best pictures and updates as we get them!

The Princess of Wales leaned in for a kiss on the cheek as she greeted her mother-in-law at Windsor Castle. 

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Crown Prince Leka II of Albania and his girlfriend Blerta Celibashi have tied the knot in an intimate wedding following their engagement last October. 

Over the weekend, the prince took to his official Instagram account to share two pictures of the happy couple at Apponyi Castle in Slovakia. It marks his second marriage following his divorce from Elia Zaharia in April 2024. 

Now, the couple has stepped out for the first time since their wedding, visiting the church and ancestral cemetery in Oponice, Slovakia, to honor the memory of Queen Geraldine and her ancestors. 

The loved-up couple was seen holding hands inside the church, with Blerta looking radiant in a camel-toned coat and turtle-neck jumper.