King Charles set aside royal protocol on Wednesday and welcomed President Bola Tinubu and his delegation in Yoruba during a state banquet held at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle.
Tinubu, accompanied by Oluremi, his wife, and other Nigerian officials, is in the United Kingdom (UK) for a two-day state visit that began on Wednesday. “Ẹ káàbọ̀, şé dáadáa ni,” King Charles said to the 160 guests in Yoruba, which translates to “Welcome, how are you doing?”
Tinubu responded with a hearty laugh, returning the king’s gesture.
Earlier, the usual lunch hosted by the king on such state visits did not take place in recognition of the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast, which Tinubu is partaking in.
Wednesday’s dinner featured the popular Nigerian Zobo drink made from hibiscus leaves as an option on the menu. There were also alcoholic drinks available for guests, including fine red and white wines, port, and whisky.
The senior British royals, including Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were also at the dinner. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, was also in attendance.
In his speech, King Charles saluted the “living bridge” of the Nigerian community in the UK, calling them “quiet heroes” at “the heart of British life”.