King Charles Praises Nigerians In UK, Hosts Tinubu To Royal Banquet

King Charles III has praised the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.

The monarch, who spoke at a royal banquet organised in honour of President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, highlighted the impact of Nigerians across British society, describing them as central to the country’s growth and innovation.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life,” he said.

The king noted that Nigerians were excelling “at the highest level of business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts.”

The banquet is part of activities lined up for Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

Reflecting on his interactions with the Nigerian community, the King said he had encountered many “quiet heroes” contributing significantly in schools, businesses, the National Health Service, and universities.

“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service, and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last 50 years,” he said.

King Charles also shared a light-hearted moment from a recent reception at St. James’s Palace, where he hosted Nigerians in the diaspora.

“Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them to a jollof and tea party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best — Nigerian, of course,” he added.

Military Honours

Tinubu commenced his two-day state visit marked by full ceremonial honours on Wednesday.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla stand with President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu, on the Dias during a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)

He was received with traditional state pageantry, featuring a guard of honour and a ceremonial gun salute—symbolising the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The President’s state visit includes high-level engagements with British officials and interactions with members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu stand with their wives Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as they pose for a photograph in the Grand Corridor, during an audience at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade and investment, and reinforcing cooperation in key sectors such as security and education.