King Charles hosts Oman’s Sultan in first state visit in 44 years

Britain’s King Charles III is hosting Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman for a state visit beginning Tuesday, marking the first time in 44 years that a reigning Sultan of Oman has made such a visit to the United Kingdom.

The three-day visit, running from October 20 to 22, brings the Gulf ruler to Windsor Castle, where Charles and Queen Camilla will welcome him alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine. The programme includes a ceremonial reception, a horse-drawn carriage procession and a state banquet at the historic royal residence.

The visit revives a royal tradition last observed in March 1982, when the late Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a cousin of the current ruler, at Buckingham Palace.

The British royal family is expected to turn out in force for Tuesday’s events, with the evening banquet scheduled to take place in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.

Earlier in the day, Prince William is expected to receive Sultan Haitham at his residence before accompanying him to Windsor on behalf of the King. Charles and Camilla will then join the welcome ceremony, which includes a carriage procession and an inspection of the Guard of Honour.

Beyond the ceremonial events, the visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Britain and Oman to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Sultan Haitham is scheduled to hold talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday, with regional security and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz among the issues of interest.

The strategic waterway is a major route for international oil shipments, making its security and the uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels important to global energy markets.

Oman has played a diplomatic role in regional efforts to ease tensions, and the Sultan’s discussions with British leaders come amid continuing concerns over maritime security and the wider Middle East conflict.

The British government and the Omani leadership have maintained close relations over several decades, including cooperation on defence and regional security. The state visit provides an opportunity to reinforce that relationship through high-level talks and economic and diplomatic engagement.

Sultan Haitham last met King Charles at Windsor Castle in the summer of 2025 during a private visit that included tea and discussions.

The current visit carries greater diplomatic significance because it is a formal state occasion, combining royal ceremony with meetings aimed at sustaining relations between the two countries.

The Sultan is due to conclude his three-day programme on Thursday, October 22, after the engagements in Windsor and London.