A rain-soaked welcome at Windsor

The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, began a three-day state visit to Britain on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the first by a sultan of Oman in 44 years. Earlier that morning William, acting on the King's behalf, greeted him at one of the prince's residences in the UK. The King then welcomed him outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station in pouring rain, removing his top hat before shaking hands. The party travelled through Windsor in horse-drawn carriages to Windsor Castle, where a ceremonial welcome followed in the quadrangle. The Sultan rode with the King in the Irish State Coach, while the Queen followed in the Scottish State Coach with Oman's deputy prime minister for defence affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said. The Sultan travelled without his wife, so the Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen on the dais instead of riding with William. Fiona Clare designed Camilla's red outfit, topped with a Philip Treacy hat, while the Princess of Wales wore a dark green coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and both colour choices appeared to nod to the Omani flag. The previous visit by a sultan dates to 1982, when Elizabeth II received Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the present ruler's cousin, at Buckingham Palace.

A banquet toast and the Hormuz question

On Tuesday evening about 160 guests dined in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. Prime Minister Andy Burnham held one of the places of honour at his first state banquet since becoming prime minister, and the chief executives of Shell, BP and Airbus were also seated, alongside royals and other dignitaries. The King greeted the Sultan in Arabic, quoting poetry in both classical and modern forms of the language. In his toast, King Charles III said:

“I would especially like to recognise, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman's enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties.”

Charles also praised the Sultan's 'noble efforts' linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway that lies close to Oman's coast and remains a key pinch point as the United States' war against Iran continues. Oman has mediated talks between Washington and Iran since late February, when the United States and Israel opened their campaign against Iran. The Sultan, for his part, said Oman had chosen an independent path and that Britain had stood alongside it. Burnham had spoken with the Sultan in July about reopening the Strait to shipping and had thanked him for Oman's mediation attempts.

A trade pact and talks at Downing Street

Downing Street said the two leaders will sign an agreement to expand bilateral investment, focusing on renewable energy, technology, critical minerals, space, health and financial services. The Sultan is scheduled to meet Andy Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday, 21 October, where security, trade and investment are expected to feature prominently. Oman is a key UK military partner, and British army units have trained alongside Omani forces in Oman for decades. The port of Duqm has long hosted a strategic British military presence.

Royal ties and Prince Harry's interview

Charles used his speech to praise the friendship between William and Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, who are joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition. That 30-day journey on foot, by camel and by 4x4 crossed Oman last year and followed the 1928 route of explorer Bertram Thomas. Addressing the Sultan, Charles said:

“Your Majesty, there can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next.”

The praise came hours after Prince Harry's GQ interview was published, in which he said he wanted to repair relations with his family while claiming others did not share that wish. The guest list left out non-working royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.