The Royal Family recently hosted a lavish state banquet to honor the President of Nigeria, marking the first such event in nearly four decades. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the royal family’s elegance and grandeur.

The Princess of Wales captivated onlookers with her regal appearance, donning a stunning green evening gown crafted by designer Andrew Gn. Complementing her ensemble, she wore the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara and earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. Her attire was further adorned with the King Charles III Royal Family Order, along with the GCVO Sash and Star.

The Prince of Wales, exuding sophistication, appeared in a traditional white tie and Windsor tailcoat, accentuated by the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash, featuring the distinguished ‘Lesser George’ insignia.

Queen Camilla, not to be outdone, was resplendent in a cream embroidered gown designed by Fiona Clare. She accessorized with a magnificent sapphire and diamond tiara, paired with matching earrings, both cherished heirlooms from Queen Elizabeth II, originally gifted to her by King George VI as a wedding present.

Leading the procession into the banquet hall, King Charles dazzled with an impressive array of diamond-studded honors. As the evening unfolded, he addressed the guests with a speech, embodying the grace and ceremonial splendor synonymous with the British monarchy.

The King also wore a blinding array of diamond-studded orders as he led the procession into the banquet hall and stood to give a speech.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, took their seats among the British royals for the crescendo of their two-day visit.

Running the length of St George’s Hall, a 155-foot dining table had been laden with sweet-smelling spring flowers gathered locally, bathed with the light of 143 candles.

The Princess of Wales dazzled in a green evening gown by Andrew Gn with her favourite Lovers’ Knot Tiara and earrings belong to Queen Elizabeth II

The Princess arrived at the banquet flanked by husband, the Prince of Wales, and The Duke of Edinburgh

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu claps in his seat between Princess Kate and King Charles III, who is making a speech

The King and the president lead the procession into St George’s Hall for the banquet

Staff began laying the table out on Monday morning, and the finishing touches were made only a few hours before guests were due to sit down – little wonder with 960 knives and forks and 62 pepper pots for the 160 invited.

As well as the King, Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, other royals attending included the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Notable Nigerians include author Sir Ben Okri, artist Yinka Shonibare, footballer Eniloa Aluko, singer Tiwa Savage, presenter Ade Adepitan, athlete Christine Ohuruogu and Diana Awards chief Tessie Ojo.

In a speech, the King began by wishing his guests ‘peace, blessings and an abundance of joy’ during such a holy month.

He highlighted the fact that, in January, Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa.

He also praised the UK’s large Nigerian diaspora, which he described as a ‘living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations… and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous’.

The King acknowledged that there are ‘chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks’ but said that ‘history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in growth and hope for all, and worthy of of those who borne the pains of the past’.

He concluded to cheers: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ – Nigerians Never Come Last.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and England rugby captain Maro Itoje, whose family is from Nigeria

Charles made a speech before dinner, which was expected to be served on the highly decorated table at around 9pm

A member of Royal Household wears shoe coverings while standing on the banquet table in order to light candles

A view of the banquet table in St George’s Hall, ahead of the guests arriving

King Charles III, Queen Camilla (L), Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (R) arrive to attend the banquet

Adjustments had been made for those guests who are Muslim and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, including setting aside an area for prayer and Iftar.

Indeed, for the first time in living memory, the royal household was serving canapés at the pre-banquet reception for guests to break their fast, mindful of the fact that, after the speeches, people would not be eating until 9pm.

While the President – the first Nigerian leader to be honoured with a state visit in 37 years – had been given orange juice for his toast, a special non-alcoholic cocktail was also made in honour of the occasion.

Based on a traditional African cocktail known as The Chapman, the royal Crimson Bloom contained Zobu (a traditional west African soft drink), English rose soda and homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup, with lemon and a hint of spice.

English sparkling wine was used for the toasts for those who were drinking alcohol, and the menu did not include meat.

To start, guests were to be served a soft-boiled egg tartlet with watercress and kale and a basil sabayon to start.

For the main, there was fillet of turbot, lobster mousse wrapped in spinach, beurre blanc sauce with sprouting broccoli and hollandaise sauce, fricasse of peas and broad beans and Jersey Royal potatoes.

Desert was an iced black current soufflé with red fruit coulis.

The wine list included: Sugrue South Downs, Cuvée Boz, Blanc de Blanc, 2020; Domaine Vincent & François Jouard, Bâtard-Montrachet, Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes, 2022; Château Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2000; and Louis Roederer, Brut Vintage, 2000.

The King’s place set at the table, as marked by his place card

The Prince and Princess of Wales inspect a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome earlier in the day

The ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle earlier in the day

King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu (second from right) and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (far right) during an audience in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle earlier today

After dinner, guests will be served Dow’s 1983 Vintage Port and Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay.

At the conclusion of the Banquet, the flowers that cannot be reused are donated to Floral Angels, a charity based at the New Covent Garden Flower Market in London whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen. 

These flowers are then delivered to hospices, elderly care homes, shelters, and many other deserving beneficiaries within the local community.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, were welcomed to the castle by Charles and Camilla earlier today.

Green and white Nigerian flags lined the streets, alongside Union flags, and an oversized Royal Standard flew from the top of the Round Tower.

The Prince and Princess of Wales first met the couple at luxury spa hotel Fairmont Windsor Park, before escorting them by car to Windsor town centre to formally meet the King and Queen.

The King and Queen then arrived at the Royal Dais in central Windsor, near the castle. Charles and Camilla were met with the national anthem, played by a military band.

The King, Camilla, William, Kate and Mr and Mrs Tinubu then travelled in a carriage procession in a show of traditional pomp and pageantry through Windsor to the castle’s quadrangle to see the Guard of Honour for the ceremonial welcome.