King Charles acknowledges ‘painful’ colonial past with Nigeria at state banquet

King Charles III hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at a state banquet in Windsor Castle on Wednesday, the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.

Charles described the relationship between the two countries as a “partnership of equals” but acknowledged painful chapters in their shared colonial history, saying “no words” could dissolve the marks left behind.

“Nigeria is an economic powerhouse,” the king said. “It has not merely changed, it has arrived.”

He pointed to Nigerian banks operating in the City of London and British export finance supporting investment in Nigerian ports as evidence of deepening economic ties.

Tinubu, in the first speech by a Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle, said the two nations shared “a vision of progress” built on “mutual respect and common values.”

“Our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” the Nigerian president said, citing healthcare and sport as key areas of connection.

The banquet was attended by Nigerian ministers and finance executives alongside British and Nigerian cultural figures. Guests included England rugby captain Maro Itoje, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, writer Ben Okri and Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage. Charles described such figures with ties to both countries as a “living bridge.”

The event was the first state banquet during Ramadan to host a Muslim head of state since 1928. Charles thanked Tinubu for travelling during the holy month, calling it “no small sacrifice,” and wished him Ramadan Mubarak. Adjustments included a prayer room and an iftar before the dinner.

In gestures to Nigerian culture, Charles opened and closed his speech with phrases in Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin. Tinubu responded to the Yoruba greeting with laughter and applause.

Tinubu is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday and address members of the Nigerian diaspora in Britain.

The last Nigerian state visit to the UK took place in 1989.

SOURCE: AFP