Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman arrived in Britain on October 20, 2026, marking the first state visit by an Omani monarch in 44 years. King Charles III and senior royals welcomed the visiting leader at Windsor Castle following a carriage procession, setting the stage for high-level diplomatic talks and a white-tie banquet.
Four Decades Between State Visits to Windsor and Buckingham
The arrival of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said on October 20, 2026, breaks a 44-year gap since the last incoming state visit from the Sultanate of Oman. In 1982, Queen Elizabeth II hosted the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said at Buckingham Palace. This week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed the current monarch—a cousin of the late Sultan—with a traditional state welcome at Windsor Castle.
An official reception ceremony was held in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, at Windsor Castle Tuesday on the occasion of His Majesty's state visit to the friendly United Kingdom (UK).Ahead of the official reception ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince William of… pic.twitter.com/jgFGAG70zx
The Prince of Wales greeted the Sultan at the Omani ruler’s residence in London, before accompanying him to Windsor. There, the King and Queen, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, awaited the visiting delegation on a ceremonial dais on Datchet Road. The royal party then took part in a carriage procession through Windsor to the castle quadrangle, where a Guard of Honour formed by the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards delivered a Royal Salute.
King Charles and Sultan Haitham Lead Royal Procession
The historic procession featured several of the royal family’s carriages, carrying senior British and Omani figures. King Charles and Sultan Haitham rode together in the Irish State Coach, leading the procession to the castle quadrangle.
The state banquet for the Sultan of Oman is just beginning. pic.twitter.com/R9VoOmPhMR
Queen Camilla traveled in the Scottish State Coach alongside Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Catherine shared the Australian State Coach with Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said, Secretary General of the Diwan of the Royal Court.
Royal Family Wears Historical Jewellery and Omani Colors
Senior royals marked the diplomatic occasion with significant historical jewellery and nods to Omani national colors. Queen Camilla wore a red Fiona Clare dress coat paired with a matching Philip Treacy hat, pinning the Queen Mother’s Cartier Ruby and Diamond Floral Clips to her lapel. Princess Catherine chose a dark green Alexander McQueen coat dress and a matching hat for the daytime welcome. She paired the evening look with a tiara.
Queen Camilla selected one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite headpieces for the white-tie event in St George’s Hall: the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Originally a wedding present to the future Queen Mary in 1893, the piece features festoon and fleur-de-lis patterns.
King Charles Hosts Omani Guests at State Banquet
King Charles and Queen Camilla entertained 160 guests at the state banquet inside St George’s Hall. Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended his first state banquet in white tie and tails, seated near key guests and Omani officials. The 47-metre mahogany table was decorated with hundreds of flowers, including pink dahlias, purple asters, red Guernsey lilies, and red rowan berries picked from a tree planted more than 50 years ago by the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Finishing touches ahead of this evening’s State Banquet… ✨ Tonight, The King and Queen will host a State Banquet for the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle. ☕️ Inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa, a collection of special teas will be served. While Kahwa is traditionally… pic.twitter.com/eqmXzpM0PG
- An iced Earl Grey and date blend
- An iced mint and rose blend
- A warm cardamom-spiced blend sweetened with Windsor honey
During the banquet, the King delivered a speech highlighting ties between the two nations and referencing his son William and Sayyid Theyazin serving as joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition.
Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons, the Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition.
King Charles
Regional Security and Trade Talks at Downing Street
The visit balances traditional pageantry with diplomatic and economic discussions. Sultan Haitham is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street, addressing regional security, maritime trade, and efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Muscat has frequently acted as a diplomatic mediator in the region, maintaining working relationships with Western powers and neighboring states while navigating complex security challenges.
This morning, The King and Queen welcomed the Sultan of Oman to the UK with a spectacular military ceremony at Windsor Castle. 💂🇬🇧 🇴🇲 pic.twitter.com/0u9k9Hlo5P
More on King Charles III
A soggy royal welcome to Windsor Castle for the Sultan of Oman’s State Visit, with the King, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales hosting. Brightened, as always, by the sights and sounds of the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry @HCav1660 @ArmyInLondon pic.twitter.com/OcDaTiapGH
In 1982, QE II received the Order of Al Said. Today, 44 years later, King Charles III received the same honour from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.Queen Camilla received the Order of Oman, First Class, while the Sultan was awarde the Order of the Garter.