By Eteteonline
King Charles III has invited President Bola Tinubu to make a historic state visit to the United Kingdom from 18th to 19th March 2026.
Buckingham Palace reports that Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi have agreed to attend Windsor Castle as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. In 37 years, this will be the first official state visit to Britain by a Nigerian president.
During a state visit, the event can be elevated, and the importance of the visitors to the UK can be shown by ceremonial pomp.
This was verified in a statement sent by the British Royal Family on Sunday. In line with the assertion:
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026.
“The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle,” the Royal Family stated.
The development was also verified by presidential assistant Bayo Onanuga, who called it a turning point in Nigeria-UK ties.
“First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March 2026,” he said.
The visit is noteworthy since it is the first time a Nigerian leader has been welcomed with full state honors in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II greeted General Ibrahim Babangida, the country’s military president at the time, in 1989.
General Yakubu Gowon and President Shehu Shagari made the other Nigerian state trips to the UK in June 1973 and 1981, respectively.
Nigeria was visited by King Charles, the Prince of Wales at the time, in 1990, 1999, 2006, and 2018. The UK and Nigeria have a lengthy diplomatic history together.
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