Sultan Receives Grand Royal Welcome at Windsor Castle During State Visit to UK
WINDSOR, UK — His Majesty the Sultan was accorded an official reception ceremony at Windsor Castle during his state visit to the United Kingdom, highlighting the longstanding historical relations and enduring bonds of friendship between Oman and the UK.
Prince of Wales Welcomes Sultan Ahead of Official Ceremony
Ahead of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales welcomed His Majesty the Sultan at his residence, expressing delight at the Sultan’s gracious visit.
The royal procession, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, subsequently proceeded along Datchet Road, where a squadron of the British Royal Cavalcade lined both sides of the road to welcome His Majesty’s arrival.
King Charles III Welcomes Sultan With Military Honours
Upon the procession’s arrival at the Dais of Honour, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla stood at the forefront of the welcoming party. King Charles warmly received the Sultan, expressing pride in the visit, which underscores the depth of the firmly rooted historical relations between the two friendly countries and the close ties that unite them. He also wished the Sultan and his accompanying delegation a successful and prosperous visit.
The ceremony featured a 41-gun salute fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from the inner courtyard of Windsor Castle, alongside a 41-gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company.
His Majesty the Sultan then exchanged greetings with senior British officials, including Andrew Try, Lord-Lieutenant of the King in the Royal County of Berkshire, and Councillor Sian Martin, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, as well as other British officials.
The Royal Horse Guards subsequently rendered a royal salute, while the Royal Anthem of Oman was played in honour of the Sultan.
Royal Procession Arrives at Windsor Castle
Thereafter, Lord Ashton of Hyde, Master of the Horse, accompanied the Sultan and King Charles III to the principal royal carriage, while members of the official delegation boarded their designated carriages. The royal procession then set off in a ceremonial march towards Windsor Castle.
Upon the arrival of the royal carriage at the castle’s outer courtyard, Omani students residing in the United Kingdom lined up to express their joy and welcome His Majesty on the occasion of his visit.
As the principal royal carriage entered Windsor Castle, the Guard of Honour rendered a royal salute, accompanied by the playing of the Royal Anthem of Oman and the British Royal Anthem.
Sultan Inspects Guard of Honour
The Sultan, accompanied by King Charles III, then inspected the Guard of Honour. The two monarchs also witnessed military parade formations presented by the Royal Horse Artillery and the King’s Life Guard.
Royal Reception Held in Honour of Sultan
A reception was subsequently held at Windsor Castle in honour of His Majesty the Sultan. During the event, the Sultan exchanged greetings with His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and His Royal Highness Prince Edward, alongside his spouse, Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
King Charles III also greeted members of the official delegation accompanying the Sultan.
Monarchs Tour Royal Collection Exhibition
As part of the programme, the Sultan and the British monarch toured an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. His Majesty viewed a range of historical artefacts reflecting aspects of the heritage and longstanding ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom.
Sultan and King Charles Exchange Royal Orders
In a further expression of the enduring friendship between the two countries, the Sultan and King Charles III exchanged royal orders at Windsor Castle.
King Charles III conferred upon His Majesty the Sultan the Order of the Garter, while the Sultan bestowed upon the British monarch the Order of Al Said. His Majesty the Sultan also conferred upon Queen Camilla the Order of Oman, First Class.
The exchange of honours underscored the significance of the state visit and reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical relations and close bonds between Oman and the United Kingdom.
