King Charles III hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom on Wednesday evening in a pre-visit reception ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain; the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The reception, held at an undisclosed royal venue, featured jollof rice and live music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra.
The Royal Family described it on its official X handle on Thursday as “a wonderful evening.”
“Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria.
“With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra — it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us,” The Royal Family said.
Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are scheduled to travel to the UK as guests of King Charles and Queen Camilla from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The last Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom was in 1989, when former military president Ibrahim Babangida was hosted for four days by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In preparation for Tinubu’s arrival, British authorities have announced sweeping security measures around Windsor.
Thames Valley Police, working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners, said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle would be extended on March 18 to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said armed officers, search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units, and Project Servator resources would be deployed across Windsor, alongside an extensive closed-circuit television network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit.
The PUNCH