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King Charles recognised the “sacrifice” of a Muslim leader observing Ramadan during his speech at Wednesday’s State Banquet.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is currently in the United Kingdom for a high-profile two-day state visit, the first of its kind by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The visit aims to reshape a historic colonial relationship into a modern economic partnership, with a strong emphasis on boosting business ties and financial cooperation.
On Wednesday evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the President and First Lady at Windsor Castle for a State Banquet.
During his speech, King Charles said: “We are most grateful to you for travelling during this holy month which, I acknowledge, is no small sacrifice, and so it is my particular pleasure to wish you, Mr President, peace, blessings, and an abundance of joy. Ramadan Mubarak!”
Elsewhere in his address, the King also referred to tensions between Muslim and Christian communities in Nigeria.
He said: “This afternoon, in another part of the Castle, Mr President, you and I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the Christian and Muslim communities.”
“The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose.”
“It was also a timely reminder of the importance of standing with you – and in us strengthening your Quick Reaction Forces, or in providing food, nutrition and protection services in Northern Nigeria – when challenges disturb the age-old balance between these communities.”
Concluding his speech, the monarch said: “As I close, Mr President, in anticipation of Eid El-Fitr in Nigeria and across the world, I can only wish you and the millions of Muslims in our countries, Eid Mubarak.”
“And, in doing so, let me propose a toast, To the President and people of Nigeria – ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last!’ (Nigerians Never Come Last).”
Earlier in the day, the King adjusted the traditional state visit schedule to accommodate President Tinubu’s Ramadan observance, including skipping the usual formal lunch.
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The two-day visit takes place during the final days of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
The last similar instance dates back to 1928, when King George V — Charles’s great-grandfather — hosted Afghanistan’s King Amanullah Khan during a state visit from March 13 to 15.
However, there are no records confirming whether the Afghan ruler was observing the fast at the time.
President Tinubu was expected to break his fast privately at sunset on Wednesday evening before attending the State Banquet with the King and Queen.
The First Lady, known as Remi, is a Christian and an ordained Pentecostal pastor. The Nigerian president’s visit is aimed at strengthening Britain’s position as a key hub for African business.
The Department for Business and Trade has announced that several Nigerian companies are expanding their operations in the UK, a move expected to create hundreds of jobs.
During their stay at Windsor Castle, the King met with President Tinubu and the First Lady in Vicars’ Hall, where they joined discussions with organisations focused on interfaith dialogue.
The presidential couple are set to leave Britain on Thursday evening, which coincides with the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.
