Rapper Tinie Tempah made a light-hearted plea to King Charles for an invitation to his royal lands during a vibrant reception honouring Britain's Nigerian community. The event, held at St James's Palace on Wednesday, drew hundreds of attendees in anticipation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's upcoming state visit next week.
A Royal Encounter with Humour
As King Charles engaged with guests, Tinie Tempah greeted the monarch by expressing how 'inspired' he had been by the King's environmental documentary work focusing on the Duchy of Cornwall. When the conversation turned to the royal portion of land, the rapper interjected with a playful request, saying, 'Invite me, invite me.' This moment added a touch of levity to the formal proceedings, highlighting the King's approachable demeanour.
Celebrating Nigerian Culture and Connections
The reception served as a prelude to the first UK state visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years, scheduled for March 18 and 19. King Charles and Queen Camilla will host President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. Previous state visits occurred in 1973, 1981, and 1989, underscoring the historical ties between the nations.
King Charles, who has visited Nigeria four times in 1990, 1999, 2006, and 2018 during his tenure as Prince of Wales, appeared in high spirits as he mingled with the crowd. Attendees, including two women in matching orange and black ensembles with blue head-dresses, were overheard affectionately calling him 'Uncle Charles,' reflecting the warm atmosphere.
Engaging with Designers and Diplomats
During the event, the King interacted with designers from Brand63 Africa, a social enterprise that connects fashion designers of African heritage to the global luxury market. He also met key figures such as Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and beauty influencer Patricia Bright, showcasing the diverse representation of the Nigerian diaspora.
Music for the occasion was provided by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra, who shared a humorous exchange with the King as he departed. When asked if he had sampled the traditional Nigerian dish Jollof rice being served, Charles quipped, 'No, I couldn't possibly eat and speak at the same time.' The band noted they last performed at a similar event nine years ago, to which the King joked, 'None of you look a day older.'
Parallel Historic Meeting with First Nations Leaders
Earlier in the day, King Charles held a historic private meeting at Buckingham Palace with seven Treaty 6 leaders from Saskatchewan, Canada. The delegation, including Chief Larry Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, travelled to London to formally invite the monarch to the 150th anniversary of the treaty's signing in Fort Carlton this August.
Chief Ahenakew, who first wrote to the King in November 2024 and February 2025 before receiving a response in December, described the visit as 'exciting' and 'historic.' The leaders planned to gift the King beaded moccasins 'rooted with love and prayers for the future generation,' supported by organisations like the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Assembly of First Nations.
This dual engagement highlights King Charles's commitment to fostering international relationships and celebrating cultural diversity, from the Nigerian community in Britain to Indigenous leaders from Canada, all while maintaining a personable and engaging presence.
