The Prince and Princess of Wales supported King Charles and Queen Camilla as they hosted their first State Banquet of the year. The event was held for the state visit of the President and First Lady of Nigeria.
The Banquet marked the first time that we saw Kate wear a tiara in 2026, and the royal opted for the her favourite tiara, the Lovers Knot. She also looked resplendent in a dress from Andrew Gn and earrings that belonged to the late Queen. Meanwhile, William looked very dapper in a black suit.
Charles wore a similar suit for the occasion, while Camilla looked stunning in a cream embroidered gown by Fiona Clare, alongside a sapphire and diamond tiara with matching earrings, which previously belonged to the late Queen. She finished the look off with a diamond serpent necklace, the Garter sash and star and the King’s family order.
The banquet came on the same day that William and Kate welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the start of their two-day visit. They then met the King and Queen at Datchet Road, before a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
Nigeria’s last state visit to the UK was in 1989 when the late Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne. During the late Queen’s reign, the UK also hosted state visits in 1973 and 1981.
While this marks the first official state visit during Charles’ reign, the royal received President Tinubu at Buckingham Palace in September 2024, where they were pictured shaking hands in another warm greeting. Charles has also previously visited Nigeria on several occasions over the years, including his last visit in 2018 alongside Camilla.
Scroll down for the best photos from the evening…
© Alamy Stock PhotoCharles and Camilla arrive
Ahead of the State Banquet, Charles and Camilla posed with their two guests.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate and William arrive
Kate and William looked glorious as they arrived alongside William’s uncle, the Duke of Edinburgh.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesCloser look at Kate
The Princess of Wales looked flawless in her glamorous emerald dress for the occasion. The day before, the royal had been in Hampshire for St Patrick’s Day.
© Getty ImagesRoyal greeting
Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence were also in attendance at the banquet. Other royal guests included Prince Edward and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
© Getty ImagesRoyal procession
While the King and Queen walked with their esteemed guests, William and Kate were in the procession with Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s minister of finance, Adebayo Olawale Edun.
Prominent British-Nigerians were invited to the event, including the astronaut Dame Maggie Aderin, England rugby captain Maro Itoje and former Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogo.
© Getty ImagesSweet moment
In an adorable moment before the meal, Kate and the Nigerian president could be seen clinking glasses.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe King’s speech
Giving a toast, Charles spoke in both Yoruba and Pidgin and used well-known Nigerian sayings to pay tribute to his guests. The monarch also highlighted the impact of Nigerian culture on the UK from Afrobeats to Nollywood.
© Alamy Stock PhotoGetting the giggles
Charles was tickled pink during Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech, with the monarch seen fighting back a laugh!
© Getty ImagesClose relations
The pair were clearly seen getting along during the State Banquet. As part of his speech, Charles said: “The many dynamic connections between our two nations have deep roots and yet I do not pretend that those roots are without a shadow. There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can.”
© Alamy Stock PhotoTheir menu
Guests were treated to a sumptuous menu, consisting of a soft‑boiled quail egg tartlet with watercress and kale and a basil sabayon.
The main course was a fillet of turbot, lobster mousse wrapped in spinach, beurre blanc sauce, sprouting broccoli with hollandaise sauce, fricassée of peas and broad beans and Jersey Royal potatoes.
For dessert, the diners will enjoy an iced blackcurrant soufflé with red fruit coulis.
© Getty ImagesWine list
Guests had gorgeous wine to wash their meals down with, including
Sugrue South Downs, Cuvée Boz, Blanc de Blanc from 2020, Domaine Vincent & François Jouard, Bâtard-Montrachet, Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes, from 2022 a Château Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac, from 2000 and Louis Roederer, Brut Vintage, from 2000.
After the meal, Dow’s 1983 Vintage Port and Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980 were also offered. An alcohol-free cocktail that had been crafted to represent the UK and Nigeria’s close relationship was offered to guests.
Named the Crimson Bloom, the drink combined Zobo and English Rose, with grenadine and a hibiscus and ginger syrup, sharpened with fresh lemon and a hint of spice and lengthened with English Rose soda
© Getty ImagesSpecial flowers
The 47.32m-long table was decorated with seasonal flowers from the Windsor Estate and the Savill Garden, including narcissi, tulips, hellebores, hyacinths, primroses, mimosa and iris.