King Charles Hosts Oman Sultan at Windsor State Visit

British royal ceremonies and heightened security marked Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to the United Kingdom, as King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed the Omani leader in Windsor on October 20, 2026. The visit brought together senior members of both royal families for military welcomes and carriage processions, with security measures and temporary road closures affecting the surrounding area.

According to Town & Country, the Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen for the ceremonial welcome rather than accompanying Prince William to meet the Sultan at his London residence. She wore a dark green coat designed by Sarah Burton, a matching hat by Juliette Botterill and carried a forest green Chanel handbag.

The green outfit reflected a color featured on Oman's national flag. Kate has continued wearing designs created by Burton during her tenure at Alexander McQueen, including work by the designer who created her wedding dress.

The royal party proceeded through Windsor in ceremonial carriages after the initial military welcome on Datchet Road. King Charles traveled with the Sultan in the Irish State Coach, while Queen Camilla accompanied Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs in the Scottish State Coach.

Prince William and Kate shared the Australian State Coach with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and the Secretary General of the Diwan of the Royal Court. Other dignitaries followed in Ascot Landeau carriages, according to Town & Country.

A small crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle despite overcast skies and intermittent rain. British and Omani flags lined the procession route, and members of the royal families watched the Sovereign's Escort Rank ride past.

The visit also brought renewed attention to the security arrangements surrounding major royal events. Thames Valley Police said officers had established additional measures to protect the Sultan and other attendees throughout his stay in Windsor.

Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall described the operation as a coordinated effort supported by experience policing royal occasions in the town.

"As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning and preparation has gone into this event," Hall said, according to the BBC.

The force also confirmed that airspace restrictions would be extended on Tuesday, October 20, from 07:00 BST until midnight. Windsor Castle already has a permanent airspace restriction, but the additional measures were intended to strengthen security during the state visit.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead announced road closures from 09:00 to 15:00 on Tuesday. Affected routes included Castle Hill, the B470, River Street, Thames Avenue, Datchet Road, King Edward VII Avenue, Windsor Road, Barry Avenue, Thames Street, High Street, Park Street, Sheet Street and St Alban's Street.

Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, River Street and Romney Lock car parks were scheduled to close from 07:00 to 17:00, while other car parks were expected to remain open as usual, the council said.

The Home Office told the BBC that it had reimbursed Thames Valley Police for additional policing expenses associated with previous visits and would continue to do so for future events.

The current visit is the first state visit to the United Kingdom by an Omani sultan since March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said at Buckingham Palace. Sultan Qaboos died in 2020.

King Charles visited Oman four times while serving as Prince of Wales. In July 2025, he welcomed Sultan Haitham to Windsor Castle for tea and a private meeting.

The royal program included a state banquet at Windsor Castle's St. George's Hall on the evening of October 20. The Sultan's visit was scheduled to continue through October 22, with the British royal family hosting the Omani delegation during its stay.