New Royal Portrait Unveiled Following Nigerian State Banquet at Windsor
A striking new portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales has been officially released in the wake of Wednesday's Nigerian State banquet held at Windsor Castle. The royal couple specifically commissioned emerging British-Nigerian photographer Christianah Ebenezer to capture a special photograph prior to the grand event. This collaboration marks the first time the Prince and Princess have worked directly with the talented photographer, although she previously gained recognition for her portraits of the Duchess of Edinburgh's 60th birthday celebrations last year.
Elegant Attire and Symbolic Backdrop
The portrait features Catherine, aged 44, resplendent in a flowing green evening gown designed by Andrew Gn, complemented by the iconic Lover's Knot Tiara and diamond earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. She also prominently displays her Royal Family Order of King Charles III alongside the GCVO Sash and Star. Positioned behind the couple is a gorgeous backdrop of free-flowing flowers and trailing foliage, a deliberate choice reflecting the princess's well-documented commitment to highlighting nature's healing power, especially significant following her cancer diagnosis and ongoing recovery journey.
Prince William, aged 43, appears impeccably dressed in traditional white tie and a Windsor tail coat. His formal wear is adorned with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash featuring the 'Lesser George' badge. He also wears his 'Miniature Medals', including the distinguished Order of the Bath, alongside the Queen Elizabeth Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, as well as his father's Coronation medal. William's 'Chest Orders' consist of the Most Noble Order of the Garter Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of the Thistle, with his Neck Order being that of the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
Photographer's Background and Royal Connection
Christianah Ebenezer, born in Lagos, Nigeria, before relocating to London as a child, has been widely praised as a fitting choice for the occasion and an amazing up and coming talent. Although the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is close to the Princess of Wales, did not directly recommend her, Catherine was undoubtedly aware of Christianah's highly acclaimed previous work. The photographer expressed her honour at the collaboration, stating, It was a true honour to collaborate on this piece. Blending our shared creativity with elements of classic portraiture and nature, the team worked seamlessly to capture this moment ahead of the Nigerian State Banquet – something I'm deeply humbled to have seen come together so beautifully.
Christianah draws inspiration from classic portraiture and cinema, with her images renowned for their rich saturation of colour and texture. She partly attributes her creative drive to her Christian faith. Her accolades include being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Arts and Culture Leader and a British Fashion Council New Wave Creative. In 2024, two of her portraits were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery, an institution where the Princess of Wales serves as Royal Patron, alongside her patronage of the Royal Photographic Society, underscoring Catherine's personal passion for photography.
Context of the State Banquet and Visit
The portrait's release follows the conclusion of a highly successful two-day State Visit by the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The visit's centrepiece was Wednesday's glittering banquet at Windsor Castle, attended by senior royals including Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the event, with the King delivering a speech that celebrated the strong UK-Nigeria relationship.
In his address, King Charles highlighted that Nigeria recently became the UK's largest export market in Africa. He praised the UK's substantial Nigerian diaspora, describing it as a living bridge of over half a million people that enriches cultures, strengthens shared security, and fosters economic prosperity. Acknowledging complex historical chapters, the King emphasised moving forward together to continue building a future rooted in growth and hope for all. He concluded his speech with the Nigerian phrase Naija No Dey Carry Last, meaning Nigerians Never Come Last, which was met with cheers from attendees.
Notable Adjustments and Culinary Details
Significant adjustments were made to accommodate Muslim guests observing Ramadan during the holy month. These included providing a dedicated prayer area and serving Iftar. In a historic move, canapés were offered at the pre-banquet reception to allow fasting guests to break their fast, considering the late dining schedule post-speeches. A special non-alcoholic cocktail, the Crimson Bloom, was crafted for the occasion. Based on the traditional African Chapman cocktail, it featured Zobo (a West African soft drink), English rose soda, and homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup. English sparkling wine was served for toasts for those consuming alcohol, and the menu was entirely meat-free.
The following morning, the presidential couple departed Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. Subsequently, President Tinubu held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, concluding a landmark State Visit that strengthened diplomatic ties and celebrated cultural exchange between the two nations.
