Royal Family Recap: Inside King Charles' glittering state banquet for Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle

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And welcome to our live coverage of the Sultan of Oman's State Visit to the UK - it's set to be a busy day!

If you're based in London, you might have noticed it's rather rainy this morning, and the weather in Windsor is set to be showery throughout the day, according to forecasts. 

King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William And Kate will entertain Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said at a glittering banquet in the historic royal fortress.

Working members of the royal family will be out in force for the grand evening affair in St George’s Hall.

The event is the first incoming state visit since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK – but Harry and Meghan, who are not working royals, do not take part in official royal engagements.

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The Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, arrived at Stansted Airport, Essex, on Monday ahead of his four-day state visit to the UK.

He was pictured disembarking his aircraft before being received by Lord Henry Hood, representing King Charles, and will receive his official welcome today.

The Sultan last visited the King in the summer of 2025 for tea and a private meeting at Windsor Castle.

The last state visit by a Sultan of Oman was 44 years ago, in 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said – Haitham bin Tarik Al Said’s cousin – at Buckingham Palace.

The Sultan last met Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, when they discussed attempts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with Mr Burnham expressing gratitude for Oman’s mediation efforts in the region.  

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In the morning, heir to the throne Prince William will greet the Oxford-educated and former businessman Haitham bin Tarik Al Said at the Omani ruler’s residence, on behalf of the King, and travel with him to Windsor.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will wait for the Sultan on a special dais in the town centre, after which the monarch, Camilla, William, Kate and the VIP guest will take part in a horse-drawn carriage procession through Windsor to the castle, ahead of the ceremonial welcome and inspection of the Guard of Honour in the quadrangle.

In the evening, there will be a glittering banquet at Windsor Castle, attended by the King, Queen, and other working members of the royal family.

On Wednesday, the Sultan will hold talks with Mr Burnham in Downing Street, against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Royal Family's official social media accounts have shared several throwback photos ahead of today's State Visit.  

They included a black-and-white picture of the late Queen Elizabeth's State Visit with Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said in 1982. 

This means today's visit is the first State Visit by a Sultan of Oman to the UK in 44 years.

The royal family shared a more recent photograph from 2016, from King Charles and Queen Camilla's two-day visit to Oman in 2016. His Majesty, when Prince of Wales, visited Oman on four occasions.

Most recently, the King received the Sultan in July 2025 at Windsor Castle during his visit to the UK.

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Police have said there is a "significant" security presence in Windsor ahead of today's State Visit. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, at Windsor Castle until 22 October.

Thames Valley Police's Adrian Hall told the BBC: "As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning and preparation has gone into this event."

These include airspace restrictions for an extended period of time and "enhanced security measures". 

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The Prince of Wales has greeted the Sultan of Oman at his residence in London as his state visit to the UK officially began. 

Prince William was seen chatting with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the Sultan's residence, as he welcomed him on behalf of King Charles. 

They then posed for an official photograph and shook hands.

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William and Kate have been taking on increasingly important roles in state visits over the past few years, in preparation for one day becoming King and Queen. 

Later on, the Sultan will be received with an official ceremonial welcome, including the King and Queen and Princess of Wales, before a formal carriage procession. 

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The Princess of Wales has joined King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Royal Dais in Datchet Road for the official welcome. 

She was seen chatting with her husband, Prince William, after they reunited. 

The Sovereign’s Escort gave a Royal Salute and the royal group stood as the National Anthem was played.

The Princess is wearing a stunning green Alexander McQueen coat, which she previously wore in 2025 and 2022. 

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Despite rainy weather, the royal family appeared in bright spirits as they chatted on the Royal Dais. 

Queen Camilla is wearing a red wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, and a hat by Philip Treacy. She also has a ruby and diamond flower brooch, which is seemingly a nod to the Omani flag.

The Princess of Wales, meanwhile, is wearing a green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen - also a nod to the flag - paired with a very stylish hat from Juliette Botterill. 

In a change to the traditional arrangements, the Princess did not accompany William to greet the Sultan, but instead waited alongside the King and Queen.

The King was dressed in a top hat and tails, holding his closed umbrella as he made his way up the steps.

We love this moment above of the royals chatting before the carriage procession!

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By Emily Nash, in Windsor

The King, Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales have rolled out the red carpet for the Sultan of Oman with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, after a spectacular carriage ride through the town. 

Prince William travelled with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said after meeting him at his private residence, joining Charles, Camilla and Catherine on the royal dais at Datchet Road in Windsor ahead of the procession.

Charles then rode in the Irish State Coach with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, while Queen Camilla followed in the Scottish State Coach with Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. 

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The Prince and Princess travelled in the Australian State Coach with Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said, Secretary General of the Diwan of the Royal Court.

Other visiting officials followed in two Ascot Landaus as the procession made its way through Windsor town centre and through the Cambridge Gate into the Castle.

As the carriages swept into the Quadrangle, a Guard of Honour, formed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, gave another royal salute, while the British and Omani national anthems were played by the Band of the Scots Guards.

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The King took off his top hat to greet the Sultan, giving him a wide smile as he shook his hand following the Omani ruler’s arrival.

Princess Catherine smiled and gave a deep curtsy as she also shook Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said’s hand in the royal line-up.

A royal salute was fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from the East Lawn of nearby Home Park, to mark the occasion.

Amid the pouring rain, the royals and their guests stepped into the ornate coaches – without turning to the use of umbrellas.

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We've now got a closer look at Prince William And Kate in their carriage!

It was a rather rainy journey to Windsor Castle, but the royal couple were seen beaming as they sheltered from the weather. 

The Waleses were in the Australian State Coach with Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said, Secretary General of the Diwan of the Royal Court.  

As the carriages swept into the Quadrangle, a Guard of Honour, formed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, gave another royal salute, while the British and Omani national anthems were played by the Band of the Scots Guards.

The King and Queen and the Sultan took their places on the Dais, while William and Catherine and the Deputy Prime Ministers for Defence Affairs and Economic Affairs stood alongside.

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The Princess of Wales appeared to make a secret outfit change as she joined William and the King to view exhibits from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room. 

While Kate, 44, had been wearing a green coat from Alexander McQueen earlier in the day, over a lace shirt. 

But as she appeared in the drawing room, she was wearing a green dress with a leather belt. The Princesses changed into a midi number by designer Norma Kamali.

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Catherine shared her admiration for King Charles' artistic talent as she joined her father-in-law, the Queen, her husband, the Sultan of Oman and guests for a special exhibition in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle following lunch. The Princess of Wales was heard telling one guest: "These were painted by His Majesty. He’s a very good watercolourist."

Her Royal Highness also pointed out works by artists who have accompanied the monarch on his trips to Oman, saying: "His Majesty, when he goes on different tours, will take an artist to come with him."

His Majesty politely offered the Sultan of Oman his umbrella as it rained in Windsor at the start of the state visit. The King was seen politely nudging his guest and offering him an unopened umbrella. Ultimately, the Sultan declined to take it. Watch the moment above.

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Ahead of the Princess of Wales' appearance at tonight's state banquet at Windsor Castle, we're taking a look at the five tiaras the royal has worn over the years and the history behind each one. 

"When the Princess of Wales wears one of these tiaras, she isn't simply wearing an extraordinary collection of diamonds, pearls and precious stones. She is adding another chapter to a jewel that may already have been worn by several generations of royal women," Justin Daughters, managing director at Hatton Garden-based jewellers Berganza, has previously told HELLO!.

Learn all about the Cartier Halo Tiara, the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Lover's Knot Tiara, the Strathmore Rose Tiara and the Oriental Circlet Tiara here.

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When dining with members of the royal family at state banquets, there are rules guests must follow, including when they are allowed to eat and who they can speak to at the dinner table. Read the story here for an explanation on the unspoken rules.

The final touches are being made ahead of tonight's state banquet. The royal family's social media channels shared a glimpse at the table where the royals and guests will dine at Windsor Castle, while also revealing that a collection of special teas, inspired by the Omani ritual of Kahwa, will be served. Attendees will be able to pick an Iced Earl Grey & Date, an Iced Mint & Rose or a Warm Cardamom-Spiced Blend sweetened with Windsor Honey. "Together, they reflect the warmth and hospitality shared by both Omani and British traditions," the caption noted.

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In a nod to the UK’s unusually hot summer, table decorations include pomegranates harvested from a tree planted on the castle’s East Terrace by the late Duke of Edinburgh half a century ago, HELLO!'s Emily Nash reports from on the ground in Windsor. The flowers include handpicked dahlias, roses, hydrangea, cyclamen and verbena from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park.

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It takes staff 30 minutes to light all the candles on the 50m long table for tonight's dinner, which has been laid with 480 knives and 480 forks, 160 spoons, 124 cruet spoons and 288 pieces of service cutlery. One member of staff has to climb onto the table to reach the tallest candelabra. Among the many silver gilt pieces from the Royal Collection is an 1833 candelabra commissioned by William VI, depicting the scene of St George and the dragon, and which is built from 136 separate pieces.

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The Princess of Wales made a glamorous appearance at Tuesday's state banquet, wearing a yellow Elie Saab gown paired with the Lover's Knot Tiara. The look brought Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast to mind. Held at Windsor Castle, the state banquet on October 20 marked Catherine's second tiara appearance of the year. 

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For the occasion, Queen Camilla, dressed in a purple Fiona Clare dress, opted for the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, a dazzling headpiece that was a favorite of her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. The tiara was given to the former monarch by her grandmother Queen Mary in 1947 as a wedding present.

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The King has spoken of his pride in his heir Prince William at a state banquet held in honour of the Sultan of Oman.

The Prince and his Omani counterpart, Crown Prince Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, were among 160 guests at St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.

Charles told the Sultan, "Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons… become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition.

"There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next."

William and the Crown Prince, who sat together at the dinner, backed a 30 day mission to showcase Oman’s natural heritage and biodiversity in 2024.

Charles, who delivered parts of his speech in Arabic, continued: "Your Majesty, neither of us can know precisely what challenges our successors will face. Despite our constant efforts, climate change will regrettably alter the lands and seas they inherit. 

"Artificial intelligence holds both promise and peril – unless managed with great wisdom and foresight. Competition for resources will test the international order in ways we cannot yet foresee.
The King continued: “But this much we do know. Our successors will rely on trusted friends. They will need allies prepared to work together across difference; to defend peace and international law; to marry innovation with stewardship; and to think not merely about the next year, but about generations to come."

Recognising the strength of Britain’s relationship with Oman, one of Britain’s oldest allies, Charles said: "It is always a treasured moment to receive such dear and old friends on a special visit such as this."

Recalling his four previous visits to the kingdom, he added: "I seem to remember trying to paint the breathtaking landscape of Oman, a landscape which was well-described by the great fourteenth Century explorer Ibn Battuta as being ‘most striking in beauty'."

The King paid tribute too, to "Oman’s enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties" in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel, which has impacted neighbouring countries in the Middle East and has blocked the Strait of Hormuz .

"Oman's noble efforts in trying to keep open one of the world’s most important shipping routes have been of great service to the whole international community, and particularly to the most vulnerable of those affected," he said.

He went on: "Oman's role across the Gulf and her "constructive neutrality", as you put it, matters far beyond Hormuz and is worthy of our utmost respect."

The alliance between the UK and Oman dates back to 1798, the first treaty of its kind between Britain and a Gulf Arab state. The two countries are very closely connected on defence, with British and Omani forces regularly carrying out joint military exercises.

The UK also has a military base at the Port of Duqm to support Royal Navy operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

The billionaire, Oxford-educated Sultan of Oman owns at least two residences in the UK, but will stay at Windsor Castle overnight before the King and Queen bid him a formal farewell on Wednesday. 

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From the Princess of Wales to Queen Camilla, here are all the best photos from tonight's state banquet at Windsor Castle. See the pictures here.

The King and members of the royal family will walk in procession with the Sultan and Oman and his top government officials to the state banquet at Windsor Castle. His Majesty, along with the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are all set to take part.

The menu for this evening includes Scottish Langoustine and Cornish Crab with Avocado, Tomato consommé, and Celery; Pot Roasted Windsor Pheasant with Spiced Quince, Stuffed Cabbage and Braised Fondant Potatoes in a Dijon Mustard Sauce and a Selection of assorted seasonal vegetables, followed by an individual Baked Alaska with Balmoral Plum and Windsor Estate Honey Ice Cream for dessert.