The ongoing Nigerian state visit marks the commencement of King Charles’ hosting responsibilities for an international leader in 2026. In line with state visit customs, the Nigerian president and First Lady are currently enjoying a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle tonight, attended by various senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Palace has disclosed the menu for the banquet, designed to showcase the diverse and vibrant Nigerian culture through a multi-course meal.
A special mocktail, inspired by a traditional Nigerian beverage, has been crafted for the King’s banquet, as he hosts the first state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly a century. Guests will be treated to a non-alcoholic post-dinner drink named Crimson Bloom.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the UK marks the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in almost a century, a period when many Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset.
In light of Ramadan, several adjustments have been made at the banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle. For the first time, canapes will be served before dinner to provide nourishment to Muslim guests who could not partake in iftar, the meal to break their fast, earlier at sunset.
A royal aide stated, “The visiting president is observing Ramadan and is Muslim, so we have made some modifications to today’s proceedings. Currently, castle guests are observing iftar, but we understand that some attendees will break their fast while traveling, so we have arranged a prayer space upon their arrival.
“Additionally, we will serve canapes for the first time in a pre-banquet reception to provide sustenance, as the banquet won’t commence until 9 o’clock after speeches.”
To accommodate guests observing Ramadan, a prayer room has been established within the castle, and the menu features fish instead of a traditional meat main course, including fillet of turbot, lobster mousse with spinach, beurre blanc sauce, sprouting broccoli with Hollandaise sauce, fricassee of peas and broad beans, and Jersey royal potatoes as the main course.
The vegetarian starter comprises a soft-boiled quail egg tartlet with watercress and kale, complemented by a basil sabayon, while the dessert is an iced blackcurrant souffle with red fruit coulis.
The President will deliver his toast with orange juice, and the post-dinner cocktail is a variation of the classic Nigerian beverage, the Chapman. The Royal Household’s rendition features Zobo, a popular West African drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, blended with English rose soda and a homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup instead of Grenadine, enhanced with lemon and a hint of spice.
While the King initiated the tradition of offering a personalized after-banquet cocktail at each state dinner, typically alcoholic, wine was served to guests who consume alcohol, with a sparkling English wine used for toasts.
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