In a historic moment that has set social media ablaze across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, King Charles III hosted President Bola Tinubu for a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle on the night of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The event, held in the majestic St George’s Hall, marked the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and was characterized by a surprising and deeply personal touch from the British monarch.
The highlight of the evening came during the King’s formal toast, where he praised Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse” and a “cultural force.” To the delight of the Nigerian delegation—which included First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage—the King closed his speech with a flourish of Nigerian Pidgin, declaring, “Naija no dey carry last!” (Nigerians never come last). The phrase prompted a roar of laughter and a standing ovation from President Tinubu and the gathered dignitaries.
Key Moments from the Royal Address:
- Cultural Connection: King Charles spoke warmly of the “living bridge” of over half a million Nigerians in the UK, referencing the global impact of Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Nigerian stars in the Premier League.
- Linguistic Tribute: Beyond Pidgin, the King showcased his respect for Nigerian heritage by quoting proverbs in Yoruba (“Rain does not fall on one roof alone”), Hausa, and Igbo, emphasizing that “two heads are better than one” in global diplomacy.
- Addressing the Past: In a somber moment, the King acknowledged the “shadow” of shared history and the “painful marks” left by the past, urging both nations to view history as a lesson on how to “go forward together.”
- Economic Partnership: The visit isn’t just ceremonial; it coincided with the announcement of a landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority to support the refurbishment of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
President Tinubu, in his response, hailed the “enduring bonds of friendship” and thanked the UK for its historical support. The two-day visit continues today, Thursday, March 19, as the President moves to London for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
This state visit—the first since General Ibrahim Babangida in 1989—is being viewed as a major “reset” of relations between Abuja and London, framed by King Charles as a “partnership of equals” rooted in shared hope and mutual growth.
