Kate paid Camilla a compliment while Charles held hands with the Nigerian president during a memorable state visit from Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu – which kicked off yesterday.
The King led the royals in welcoming guests at Windsor, concluding in a glitzy state banquet that saw the monarch give a hearty toast with mindful accommodations in place for visitors who are Muslim and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, including setting aside an area for prayer and Iftar.
The festivities on Wednesday captured a number of heartwarming moments from the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years, including the monarch joking about jollof rice – while the Princess of Wales performed a perfect curtsy.
Elsewhere, William and Kate appear to have struggled keeping their giggles at bay as they shared a private joke, and the Prince enjoyed a warm greeting with stepmother.
Read on for a glimpse behind the pomp and pageantry, which showed the best of British hospitality…
KATE’S SECRET MESSAGE FOR CAMILLA
One lip-reader has claimed that the pair exchanged some sweet words, with Kate complimenting Camilla’s appearance
The Princess of Wales’s fondness for the Queen was on full display yesterday, as they leaned in close to talk to one another, while welcoming Mr and Mrs Tinubu to Windsor.
And one lip-reader has claimed that the pair exchanged some sweet words, with Kate complimenting Camilla’s appearance.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Nicola Hickling said she believes Kate opened the conversation with: ‘Good morning, how are you?’, before adding, ‘you look beautiful!’
Camilla as sophisticated in a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret shaped hat by Philip Treacy. She was also wearing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier flower clip pair of brooches, as crowds gathered on the streets of Windsor to watch the welcome.
HAND HOLDING
Following a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle, at Windsor, royal commentators were surprised by a ‘rare’ gesture from the King, who offered his hand to Mr Tinubu as they walked in Windsor
Following a ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle, at Windsor, royal commentators were surprised by a ‘rare’ gesture from the King, who offered his hand to Mr Tinubu as they walked around together.
Speaking to HELLO!, body language expert Inbaal Honigman suggested the moment was likely one stemming from the Nigerian President’s mindfulness, as well as Charles’s cultural understanding.
‘The King glances downwards, as if steadying himself as he walks. It appears likely, that perhaps the King found the gravel a little tricky to walk over, and President Tinubu offered his hand to help him across,’ she shared.
‘For the two leaders to hold hands, is certainly unusual, as British men aren’t usually seen holding hands with one another. In Nigerian culture however, it is perfectly normal for men to walk close together and even hold hands.
‘The King is a well travelled and cultured person, if the President’s hand was offered to him with kindness, he would know that the intent is positive.’
KING’S HEARTY TOAST
One highlight of the King’s speech included a special phrase, likely to resonate with those of Nigerian heritage
One highlight of the King’s speech included a special phrase, likely to resonate with those of Nigerian heritage.
He concluded to cheers: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ – Nigerians Never Come Last.’
This is commonly said by Nigerians to commemorate the country’s resilience, and drive and pursuit of excellence.
Charles also highlighted the fact that, in January, Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa.
He also praised the UK’s large Nigerian diaspora, which he described as a ‘living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations… and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous’.
The King acknowledged that there are ‘chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks’ but said that ‘history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in growth and hope for all, and worthy of of those who borne the pains of the past’.
JOKES ABOUT JOLLOF
In moment of levity during his speech, the King also spoke about one of Nigeria’s most beloved exports – jollof rice.
The dish – popular in West Africa – is made by cooking long-grain rice with tomatoes, chillis, spices, and sometimes meat and vegetables, together. However, each country has its own unique iteration.
Addressing the regional difference, Charles said: ‘I was firmly assured that the jollof was, of course, only the best Nigerian or perhaps it’s Ghanaian or Senegalese.
‘Diplomatically, I cannot remember.’
CHARLES SWARMED IN FLOWERS
However, so opulent was the display that in one hilarious moment, Camilla struggled to find her husband amid the shrubbery
A state banquet is always a glitzy affair – and last night, running the length of St George’s Hall, a 155-foot dining table had been laden with sweet-smelling spring flowers gathered locally, bathed with the light of 143 candles.
However, so opulent was the display that in one hilarious moment, Camilla struggled to find her husband amid the shrubbery.
Seemingly poking fun at the height of the foliage display – in a video showing the final preparations ahead of the event – she jokingly pointed across at Charles, seeing if she could still spot him.
WILLIAM AND KATE’S PRIVATE JOKE – AND SUBTLE ROMANTIC MOMENT
And it seems in one instance, the couple even appeared to share a laugh together, as photos captured the pair whispering and giggling
Elsewhere, William made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it romantic gesture as he helped his wife into the carriage. The Prince briefly placed his hand on the small of her back as she got inside
The Prince and Princess of Wales were in high spirits as they greeted the King and Queen to form the welcoming committee for yesterday’s guests.
And it seems in one instance, the couple even appeared to share a laugh together, as photos captured the pair whispering and giggling.
Elsewhere, William made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it romantic gesture as he helped his wife into the carriage.
The Prince briefly placed his hand on the small of her back as she got inside.
KATE’S CURTSY
The Princess of Wales is known for her perfect curtsy – which was once again on display yesterday, as she greeted the King and Queen.
Her husband William, however, stuck to less formal greetings.
Kate’s elegance was accentuated by her sophisticated ensmeble which included a coat dress with contrasting ivory-trim lapels from Tolu Coker, an up-and-coming British-Nigerian designer.
Tolu already has a royal connect; King Charles attended her London Fashion Week show last month.
The double-breasted style was reminiscent of the famous Catherine Walker coat that Princess Diana wore for Easter service at St George’s Chapel in 1987.
Kate’s coat featured a pencil-cut skirt, 80s-style lapels, and a surprise lace-up detail at the back, as the princess finished her look with a matching Jane Taylor hat and snakeskin heels by Hugo Boss.
The ensemble also bore a striking similarity to Diana’s red Catherine Walker coat that she wore during a visit to the Dartmouth Naval College in 1989.
Kate’s sartorial tribute to Prince William’s late mother also included a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings that originally belonged to Diana.
CAMILLA AND WILLIAM SWEET MOMENT
Showing his affection for his stepmother, William greeted Camilla with a kiss as he and Kate met with the King and Queen
Showing his affection for his stepmother, William greeted Camilla with a kiss as he and Kate met with the King and Queen.
William and Kate met Mr and Mrs Tinubu at luxury spa hotel Fairmont Windsor Park, before escorting them by car to Windsor town centre to formally meet the King and Queen.
The King and Queen then arrived at the Royal Dais in central Windsor, near the castle. Charles and Camilla were met with the national anthem, played by a military band.
The King wore a morning suit and carrying a black top hat while the Queen was in a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret shaped hat by Philip Treacy.
Camilla was also wearing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier flower clip pair of brooches, as crowds gathered on the streets of Windsor to watch the welcome.
The King, Camilla, William, Kate and Mr and Mrs Tinubu then travelled in a carriage procession in a show of traditional pomp and pageantry through Windsor to the castle’s quadrangle to see the Guard of Honour for the ceremonial welcome.
