The Princess of Wales captivated guests at a state banquet for Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night, 18 March. Kate wore a striking green long-sleeved evening dress by Singaporean designer Andrew Gn, paired with the Lover's Knot Tiara—a piece famously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales—and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The choice of green mirrored the colour of Nigeria’s national flag, a subtle tribute reminiscent of the late Queen’s habit of incorporating national emblems into her attire. Kate arrived at St George’s Hall alongside Prince William and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, while King Charles and Queen Camilla also attended in white tie and formal decorations.
The state visit marked a historic first: it was the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly 100 years. As a result, the traditional daytime lunch was replaced, and the Nigerian president privately broke his fast before the evening banquet. Adaptations included offering canapés before dinner for Muslim guests who had not yet broken their fast, and a prayer room was set up in the castle.
The menu featured fish instead of meat, with a starter of quail egg tartlet, main of turbot and lobster mousse, and dessert of iced blackcurrant soufflé. President Tinubu toasted with orange juice, and the after-dinner cocktail was a twist on the classic. The first lady, a Christian and ordained Pentecostal pastor, wore a pink, white and black Nigerian Gele turban headdress and a sparkling black gown.
Among the 160 guests were Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Olympic gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu, England rugby captain Maro Itoje, former Lioness Eni Aluko, singer Tiwa Savage, and other notable Nigerian and British-Nigerian figures. Nine members of the royal family attended, including the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
