Royals roll out red carpet for visiting Sultan

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman for a formal state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening. The monarch was accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Gloucester. The gathering took place in St George’s Hall, where approximately 160 guests dined on a menu featuring Scottish langoustine, Cornish crab, and pot-roasted Windsor pheasant. The event marked the beginning of a three-day state visit intended to strengthen trade, military, and cultural ties between the two nations. The ceremony occurred just hours after Prince Harry released a new interview with GQ magazine. In the conversation, recorded in New York, the Duke of Sussex expressed a desire to reconcile with his family. He stated that some people did not want their relationships to work out, while he personally wanted resolution. Harry described his relationships with his father and brother as complicated and noted that scars from such conflicts persist. He urged others to let go of past grievances, arguing that the world contains sufficient drama without adding familial disputes. The royal household appeared focused on projecting unity during the diplomatic event, despite the recent media attention surrounding Harry’s comments. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, wore a pale yellow Elie Saab gown featuring a cape detail and train. She accessorized with the Lover’s Knot tiara, diamond earrings, and a bracelet that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her hair was worn down for the occasion. Prince William dressed in white tie attire, wearing a Windsor tailcoat with scarlet collar and cuffs. He displayed the sash of the Most Noble Order of the Garter along with the Lesser George and other medals. King Charles wore the Sash of the Order of Al Said, an honor bestowed upon him by the Sultan earlier in the day. Queen Camilla wore a purple chiffon dress by designer Fiona Clare, paired with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara and an amethyst and diamond necklace. Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the banquet, marking his first state dinner since assuming office. He sat in a position of honor within the hall. The Prime Minister had previously spoken with the Sultan in July regarding efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. During the banquet, King Charles highlighted Oman’s role as a trusted intermediary in regional conflicts. He acknowledged the painful return of conflict to the Middle East and praised Oman’s commitment to keeping vital shipping routes open. Charles referred to the Sultan as a close friend and ally, noting that Oman is one of Britain’s oldest partners in Arabia. The King also touched upon personal matters during his address. He expressed pride that both his son, Prince William, and the Crown Prince of Oman had become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia expedition. This cultural and environmental trek took place last year. Charles described the passing of a living relationship from one generation to the next as a symbol of success. The atmosphere in the hall was described as glittering and formal, with pomegranates from the castle gardens used as decorations. The Sultan and King Charles were observed sharing laughter during the meal. Guest seating arrangements placed Catherine between the Sultan and Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidy, the Omani minister of Diwan and Royal Court. Prince William sat near chef and food blogger Dina Macki. The guest list excluded non-working royals, specifically omitting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The state visit aims to emphasize cooperation during a perilous period in the region. Oman’s government requested the visit to underscore its status as a reliable partner. The menu concluded with individual baked Alaskas served with Balmoral plum and Windsor estate honey ice cream. The diplomatic engagement follows a week of intense scrutiny on the royal family due to Harry’s revelations. The Prince of Wales and his wife maintained a composed demeanor throughout the proceedings. The King’s speech balanced diplomatic praise with references to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. He thanked the Sultan for Oman’s noble efforts in maintaining stability in global shipping lanes. The event concluded with toasts exchanged between the hosts and guests. The Sultan departed Windsor Castle following the dinner, continuing his itinerary in the United Kingdom. The royal household resumed standard duties following the conclusion of the formal dining service.