King Charles III has told Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the UK and Nigeria can “tighten the grip of friendship” during challenging times, in a speech at a state banquet at Windsor Castle. The King described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice”, and acknowledged “painful marks” in the shared history of the two nations.
The state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, included ceremonial welcomes, carriage rides, and a meeting between the King and President. Among the guests were the Prince and Princess of Wales, England rugby captain Maro Itoje, poet Sir Ben Okri, and Nigerian pop star Tiwa Savage. The Princess of Wales wore a dark green gown by Singaporean designer Andrew Gn, matching the Nigerian flag.
In his address, the King said: “I believe firmly that, when rain clouds gather, we can tighten the grip of friendship between us and, in so doing, reinforce the central role of the Commonwealth in our shared future.” He also referenced a Hausa proverb: “When the music changes, so does the dance.”
Charles acknowledged the colonial past, stating: “There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can. But I do believe… that history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together.”
The King praised the Nigerian diaspora in Britain as a “living bridge” of more than half a million people, and highlighted the Commonwealth’s relevance ahead of its biennial meeting. A lighter moment came when Charles spoke Nigerian pidgin English, saying “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last), prompting laughter and applause from the president.
