This morning, the Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi, at the Fairmont Windsor Park Hotel, on the edge of Windsor Park, before accompanying them to the city center for a formal meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
From there, the entourage toured Windsor in a carriage procession to the castle quadrangle for the ceremonial welcome.
This is a historic visit for two reasons: it is the first visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years, and it is the first state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly a century.
What Kate Middleton wore to welcome the President of Nigeria, and why it matters
Kate didn’t choose her outfit for today at random. She chose a coat dress by Tolu Coker, a young British-Nigerian designer. This is exactly the kind of diplomatic gesture that Kate uses with precision, using fashion to say something without saying a word.
How the visit’s protocol was adapted for Ramadan
The schedule had to be adjusted because President Tinubu is fasting during Ramadan, which meant there was no traditional luncheon with the King at the castle. Instead, Charles received him in audience in the afternoon.
In the evening, President Tinubu will break his fast in private at sunset before joining the King and Queen for the state banquet at St George’s Hall, where Kate and William will also be present.