Windsor, England – Queen Camilla sparkled at a state banquet on Wednesday evening, showcasing the Belgian Sapphire Tiara as King Charles hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The glittering display of royal jewelry underscored a historic visit, the first UK state visit from a Nigerian leader in 37 years, and a significant moment as the first time the British royal family has hosted a Muslim head of state during Ramadan. The event, steeped in tradition, highlighted the strengthening relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
The banquet, held at Windsor Castle, was a focal point of the two-day visit. President Tinubu’s arrival marks a notable occasion, as it’s also the first time a Nigerian leader has been hosted by a British monarch at Windsor Castle, according to reports from the BBC. The visit builds on previous engagements, including a meeting between King Charles and President Tinubu at Buckingham Palace in September 2024, and the Prince of Wales’s four prior visits to Nigeria spanning from 1990 to 2018.
A Tiara with History
The Belgian Sapphire Tiara, worn by Queen Camilla for the occasion, carries a rich history. Originally a necklace belonging to Princess Louise of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the piece was purchased by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963 to complement her sapphire jewelry collection. The tiara was notably worn by Queen Elizabeth II when hosting the South African president at Buckingham Palace in December 2022. After decades of use, the late Queen reportedly retired the tiara to the royal collection, but Queen Camilla has brought it back into prominence, showcasing its enduring elegance. The tiara has also been seen at previous state banquets, alongside other historic pieces like the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara and the Kokoshnik tiara.
The Royal Welcome and Style Choices
Earlier in the day, Queen Camilla and King Charles formally welcomed President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Windsor Castle. The Queen opted for a vibrant all-pink ensemble, pairing a matching dress and fascinator with pearl earrings.
She accessorized with the Greville Ivy Leaf clip brooches, adding another layer of regal sophistication to her look. The welcoming ceremony included a carriage procession, a military band performance, and a gun salute, all hallmarks of a traditional state visit.
A Historic Visit and Diplomatic Significance
This state visit is particularly significant given the timing during Ramadan. As President Tinubu is Muslim, the traditional lunch with the King at Windsor has been omitted as a mark of respect, according to the BBC. The visit also follows recent royal engagements in Nigeria, including a trip by Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, in November 2025, and a private visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2024. These engagements demonstrate a continued focus on strengthening ties between the UK and Nigeria.
The state banquet itself is expected to include toasts from both King Charles and President Tinubu, offering an opportunity to publicly reaffirm the commitment to a strong bilateral relationship. The table setting, featuring handpicked flowers and foliage from royal gardens, further emphasizes the care and attention given to this significant diplomatic occasion.
As the visit continues, attention will turn to the discussions between King Charles and President Tinubu, and the potential for modern agreements and collaborations between the two nations. The outcome of these talks will likely shape the future of UK-Nigeria relations for years to come. Further updates on the visit are expected from official royal channels and the Nigerian presidency in the coming days.
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