While the Princess of Wales and Princess Anne looked so glam at Wednesday night's State Banquet, one royal was conspicuously absent – the Duchess of Edinburgh.
While the Duke of Edinburgh was seen conversing with the Prince and Princess of Wales, his wife was absent from the event.
Although it's unclear why Duchess Sophie, 61, was absent, she has been travelling a lot recently. Just last week, she was in New York City, attending the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting. Her trip came right off the back of her joining her husband in Italy for the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
At the New York event, she was seen in an elegant look that radiated "heritage chic" with its muted tones and horsey accessories. Underneath her blazer, Sophie wore a Reiss belted knit pleated midi dress in raspberry red that featured a high neckline and long sleeves.
Despite missing the event, King Charles paid a subtle tribute to his sister-in-law, with guests at the State Banquet being treated to a performance by Duchess of Edinburgh's String Orchestra.
State Banquet
This week's State Banquet made history as the first that offered canapés at the pre-dinner reception. The reason behind this was because several of those in attendance were observing Ramadan and would have been breaking their fast the pre-dinner reception.
In his toast, the King spoke in both Yoruba and Pidgin and used well-known Nigerian sayings to pay tribute to his guests. "Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni," he began, which translates from Yoruba as "Greetings! I hope you are well."
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe President threw his head back to laugh and applauded his efforts. He told President Tinubu – the first Muslim President to come to the UK on a State Visit during Ramadan since 1928 – "We are most grateful to you for travelling during this holy month which, I acknowledge, is no small sacrifice," adding that "it is my particular pleasure to wish you, Mr President, peace, blessings, and an abundance of joy. Ramadan Mubarak!"
In a speech highlighting the impact of Nigerian culture on the UK, Charles said: "From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain's culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria."
© Getty ImagesNigeria's last state visit to the UK was in 1989 when the late Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne. During the late Queen's reign, the UK also hosted state visits in 1973 and 1981.
While this marks the first official state visit during Charles' reign, the royal received President Tinubu at Buckingham Palace in September 2024, where they were pictured shaking hands in another warm greeting. Charles has also previously visited Nigeria on several occasions over the years, including his last visit in 2018 alongside Camilla.
