President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commenced his state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial reception at Windsor Castle.
The Nigerian leader was received by King Charles III in a visit described as the first of its kind by a Nigerian president to the UK in about 37 years.
Tinubu arrived at the royal residence alongside his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, where they were honoured with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Before the formal ceremony, the couple were welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales ahead of their meeting with the monarch.
The two-day visit will include several royal engagements, with King Charles hosting the Nigerian president and his wife during their stay.
Part of the programme features the exchange of gifts and a viewing of artefacts linked to Nigeria that are preserved in the Royal Collection, followed by a state banquet at St George’s Hall.
Both the British monarch and President Tinubu are expected to address guests at the banquet, which will be attended by political leaders and prominent figures with connections to Nigeria.
The usual royal luncheon will not hold, however, as the Nigerian president is observing the Ramadan fast.
Tinubu and his wife are also expected to lay a wreath at the tomb of Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel and hold discussions with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue.
