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Photos from Tinubu’s state visit to UK … plus text of his speech at Windsor Castle
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
AT
THE STATE BANQUET,
WINDSOR CASTLE,
MARCH 18, 2026
Your Majesty, King Charles III,
Queen Camilla,
Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour to stand before you today, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united our two nations for several centuries.
Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation. 
As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu travel in the Australian State Coach to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali / POOL / AFP)
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.
Britain’s King Charles III (R), Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu (2R), Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items, relating to Nigeria, in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle , in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)
Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.
The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.
Britain’s Queen Camilla and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu travel in the Scottish State Coach to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali / POOL / AFP)
Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu pose for a photograph in the Grand Corridor, during an audience at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)
The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
Britain’s Queen Camilla and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu travel in the Scottish State Coach to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP)
In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.
Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Camilla stand with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu on the Dias during a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)
While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu hold hands as they leave, followed by Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Britain’s Queen Camilla, and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, following a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)
The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrives for a formal welcome at Datchet Road, ahead of a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP)
In sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Britain’s Queen Camilla walks with Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as they leave following a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)
Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.
As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.
Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and wis wife Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales pose alongside Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu as they greet them at the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP)
Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.
Britain’s Queen Camilla and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu travel in the Scottish State Coach to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)
Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu hold hands as they leave following a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP)
Your Majesty, I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.
Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta. That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu (2L), his wife Oluremi Tinubu (L), along with Britain’s Queen Camilla and Britain’s King Charles III (R) reacts as they are shown a Manuscript of poems by Nigerian-born British poet Ben Okri, aspart of a special exhibition of Royal Collection items, relating to Nigeria, in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle , in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Hannah McKay / POOL / AFP)
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (L) and Britain’s Queen Camilla look at a Manuscript of poems by Nigerian-born British poet Ben Okri, as part of a special exhibition of Royal Collection items, relating to Nigeria, in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle , in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Hannah McKay / POOL / AFP)
In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu stand with thier wives Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as they pose for a photograph in the Grand Corridor, during an audience at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)
To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.
God bless His Majesty The King. God bless Nigeria. God bless the United Kingdom. Thank you very much.
Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) talks with Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during a formal welcome at Datchet Road, ahead of a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP)
Britain’s Queen Camilla and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu travel in the Scottish State Coach to Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP)
