King Charles Welcomes Oman Sultan for UK State Visit

Britain's King Charles III and senior members of the royal family welcomed Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said to Windsor for a state visit marking the first time an Omani sultan has made such a visit to the UK in 44 years. The ceremony took place in heavy autumn rain, with the royal family preparing to host the visiting ruler at Windsor Castle before a state banquet and political talks. According to ITV, Charles greeted the Sultan outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station, removing his top hat before shaking hands.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, performed a deep curtsey as the group gathered beneath a covered platform. The King and Sultan traveled together in the Irish State Coach, while Queen Camilla rode in the Scottish State Coach with Oman's deputy prime minister for defense affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. Prince William and Catherine shared the Australian State Coach with deputy prime minister for economic affairs Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said and royal court secretary-general Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said.

The procession continued through Windsor toward the castle, where the visitors were due to attend a ceremonial welcome in the quadrangle. The royal party proceeded in enclosed horse-drawn carriages despite the downpour.

Camilla wore a red wool crepe dress and coat designed by Fiona Clare, a Philip Treacy hat, and a ruby-and-diamond flower brooch. Catherine wore a dark green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a hat by Juliette Botterill. William had traveled separately earlier to greet the Sultan at one of his UK residences. Catherine joined the King and Queen at the ceremonial platform, departing from the usual arrangements because the Sultan's wife is not accompanying him during the visit.

The visit is the first by a Sultan of Oman to Britain since 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a cousin of the current ruler, at Buckingham Palace. On Tuesday evening, Charles, Camilla, William and Catherine are scheduled to host the Sultan at a state banquet in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. Members of the working royal family are expected to attend the formal event.

The banquet is the first incoming state visit since Prince Harry and Meghan returned to the UK. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not working members of the royal family and do not participate in official royal engagements, ITV reported. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is also due to attend, marking his first state banquet in the role.

The event will bring the visiting Omani ruler together with senior British officials and members of the royal family. On Wednesday, the Sultan is scheduled to meet Burnham at Downing Street for talks against the backdrop of the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Haitham last met the King in the summer of 2025 for tea and a private meeting at Windsor Castle.