London, United Kingdom — King Charles III, the monarch of the United Kingdom, hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora living in Britain on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, during a special reception organised ahead of the planned state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The gathering took place at a royal venue in the United Kingdom, although the exact location was not publicly disclosed. The event celebrated Nigerian culture and brought together members of the Nigerian community in Britain shortly before the arrival of President Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The reception included Nigerian cuisine and music, reflecting the cultural links between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Guests were served jollof rice, a widely recognised West African dish popular across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The evening also featured a live musical performance by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra, known for blending traditional Afrobeat sounds with contemporary music styles.
The British Royal Family later shared details of the event through its official social media account on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
“Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria.
“With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra — it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us.”
The reception forms part of preparations for President Tinubu’s official state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled to take place from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
State visits are among the most significant forms of diplomatic engagement between nations and typically include formal ceremonies, meetings between government leaders, and events aimed at strengthening cultural and economic relations.
Okay News reports that this visit will mark the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian leader has carried out a formal state visit to the United Kingdom.
The last such visit occurred in 1989 when Nigeria’s then military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, travelled to Britain and was hosted for four days by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the United Kingdom for more than seven decades before her death in 2022.
In preparation for President Tinubu’s arrival, British authorities have announced extensive security arrangements around Windsor, a historic town in Berkshire, England, where Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British monarch, is located.
Thames Valley Police, the territorial police force responsible for policing much of south east England, said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead local authority, the Royal Household, and other security partners to ensure safety during the visit.
Authorities confirmed that airspace restrictions above Windsor Castle will be expanded on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The restriction will cover the period from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. West African Time equivalent (which corresponds to Greenwich Mean Time).
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit of Thames Valley Police explained that multiple security units will be deployed during the visit.
He said armed police officers, specialist search teams, mounted police units, road policing officers, and Project Servator teams will operate across the Windsor area. Project Servator is a British policing strategy designed to detect and deter terrorist activity through visible and unpredictable security operations.
Authorities also plan to rely on an extensive network of closed circuit television cameras and install barriers designed to prevent hostile vehicle attacks.
In addition, temporary road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and may affect several roads in and around Windsor as security preparations intensify ahead of the arrival of the Nigerian president.
Officials say the measures are intended to protect visiting dignitaries, local residents, and members of the public during the high level diplomatic event.
