King Charles III on Wednesday hosted a reception for members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom ahead of a state visit by President Bola Tinubu.
Photos of the monarch interacting with guests at St James’s Palace were shared by The Royal Family on Thursday.
Among those at the reception were minister of foreign affairs Yusuf Tuggar, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa and London-based TikTok personality Bemi Orojuogun, popularly known online as Bus Aunty.
The monarch was seen holding a drink while chatting with guests who gathered at the palace on his invitation.
“Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian Diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria.
“With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra – it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us!” Buckingham Palace wrote on social media.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom as guests of King Charles and Queen Camilla from March 18 to March 19, 2026.
Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced airspace restrictions and heightened security measures in Windsor ahead of the visit.
According to Thames Valley Police, the measures are part of a wider security operation being carried out in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other partners to ensure the safety of dignitaries, spectators and the public.
The last Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to the United Kingdom was General Ibrahim Babangida in 1989, when he was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
