The Prince and Princess of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor as the Royal Family welcomed the Sultan of Oman for a historic State Visit, with the senior royals braving wet weather for a spectacular carriage procession.
William and Kate travelled in the third carriage alongside Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, following the formal reception for Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The Prince of Wales has taken on a prominent role in the visit, having greeted the Sultan earlier in the day on behalf of the King, underlining his growing responsibilities as heir to the throne.
The Princess of Wales joined her husband for the ceremonial proceedings, which saw the royal party travel through Windsor before arriving at the castle for a day of diplomatic engagements and traditional pageantry.
King Charles accompanied the visiting ruler in the Irish State Coach, which led the procession, while Queen Camilla travelled in the carriage immediately behind with Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.
The procession followed an official welcome at the Royal Dais on Datchet Road, where military salutes were fired at Windsor and the Tower of London to mark the start of the visit.
Despite the rain, the ceremonial occasion brought together senior members of the British Royal Family and representatives of the Omani government for one of the most significant diplomatic engagements in the royal calendar.
On reaching Windsor Castle, the procession entered the Quadrangle, where members of the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards formed a Guard of Honour.
The Omani and British national anthems were performed by a regimental band before the Sultan, accompanied by the King, inspected the troops.
The visiting head of state subsequently joined Charles, Camilla, William and Catherine to watch a military display in the castle grounds, featuring a procession by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Sovereign’s Escort.
The elaborate welcome reflects the importance Britain places on its longstanding relationship with Oman, a Gulf state that occupies a strategically significant position near the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for international energy supplies, making regional stability and maritime security key concerns for the UK and its allies.
Oman has also cultivated a reputation as a diplomatic intermediary, maintaining relationships with Western governments and regional powers across the Middle East.
Its ability to engage with countries that have strained relations with one another has made Muscat an important channel for diplomatic communication at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Strengthening cooperation with Gulf partners remains a significant consideration for British foreign policy, particularly in relation to defence, trade and the security of international shipping.
The royal programme continued inside Windsor Castle, where the King and Queen hosted a private lunch for the Sultan and members of his delegation alongside the Royal Family.
The visiting party was also due to view a specially assembled exhibition of historic Omani objects from the Royal Collection, highlighting the longstanding connections between the two countries.
The day’s engagements will culminate in a State Banquet hosted by Charles and Camilla in honour of the Omani ruler and his delegation.
The King and Sultan are expected to deliver speeches during the evening, celebrating the relationship between Britain and Oman and addressing the issues shaping their partnership.
