His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman was officially welcomed at Windsor Castle on Tuesday during his state visit to the United Kingdom. The reception marked a significant moment in the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The day’s events began with a personal greeting from His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales at the Sultan’s residence. Prince William expressed his pleasure at the Sultan’s visit, underscoring the friendly relations shared by Oman and the UK. Following this, a royal procession escorted by the Prince of Wales made its way to Datchet Road, where the British Royal Cavalcade lined the route in honor of the Sultan’s arrival.
At the Dais of Honour, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla were present to receive His Majesty Sultan Haitham. King Charles conveyed his pride in hosting the Sultan, highlighting the deep-rooted historical connections and close bonds between the two countries. To honor the occasion, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company each fired a forty-one-gun salute from the inner courtyard of Windsor Castle. The Sultan then exchanged greetings with senior British officials, including Andrew Try, Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, and Councillor Sian Martin, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The Royal Horse Guards rendered a royal salute, and the Omani Royal Anthem was performed as the Sultan arrived. Following this, the Sultan and King Charles III proceeded in the principal royal carriage through a celebratory march toward Windsor Castle, accompanied by members of the official delegation in separate carriages. Upon entering Windsor Castle’s outer courtyard, the Guard of Honour offered a salute, with both the Omani and British Royal Anthems played.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham then inspected the Guard of Honour alongside King Charles III before witnessing military parade formations presented by the Royal Horse Artillery and the King’s Life Guard. A reception was held at Windsor Castle where the Sultan met members of the British royal family, including His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and His Royal Highness Prince Edward with Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. King Charles III also greeted members of the Sultan’s accompanying delegation.
In addition to the reception, Sultan Haitham toured the Royal Collection exhibition within Windsor Castle. Accompanied by King Charles III and his official delegation, the Sultan explored a range of historical artifacts that reflect the shared heritage and longstanding relations between Oman and the United Kingdom. The exhibition underscored the mutual respect and cultural connections that continue to shape the partnership between the two nations.