World · Europe · 1 hr ago
King Charles welcomes Oman’s sultan on first UK state visit in 44 years
King Charles III welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to Windsor at the start of a three-day state visit.
It is the first UK state visit by an Omani ruler in 44 years.
The visit comes as conflict in the Middle East has intensified during the war involving Iran.
Oman has acted as a mediator in talks between the United States and Iran and has worked to help restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
Charles praised Oman’s role as a trusted mediator, while Haitham said his country had chosen diplomacy.
The visit also reflects longstanding ties between Britain and Oman, including military and diplomatic links.
Haitham is due to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Downing Street, where security, trade and investment are expected to be discussed.
King Charles III welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman for a three-day state visit to Britain, the first by an Omani ruler in 44 years.
The visit began with a ceremonial welcome in Windsor, including a royal salute, national anthems and a carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
At a state banquet, Charles praised Oman’s efforts to promote peace and its role as a trusted interlocutor in the region.
Haitham said Oman had chosen diplomacy and described Britain as a friend that had stood beside it.
The visit comes amid conflict in the Middle East, and talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham are expected to cover security, trade and investment.
- Who
- King Charles III welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman.
- What
- Haitham is making a state visit to Britain, the first by an Omani ruler in 44 years.
- When
- The three-day visit began on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- Windsor Castle and other locations in Britain, including Downing Street and London.
- Why
- The visit is intended to reinforce ties between Britain and Oman; talks are expected to cover security, trade and investment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sultan Haitham was welcomed in Windsor with a royal salute, national anthems and a carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
Charles hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where he and Haitham spoke about diplomacy and Oman’s role in the region.
Haitham is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Downing Street.
Haitham is due to attend a banquet in the City of London.
Haitham is due to visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London.
- Visit duration
- Three days
- Previous Omani state visit to Britain
- 1982
- Years since an Omani ruler’s previous state visit
- 44
- Host venue
- Windsor Castle
- Expected talks agenda
- Security, trade and investment
6 sources
King Charles welcomes Omani sultan, hails peace efforts in UK state visit
Carlos III y la reina Camilla protagonizan una noche histórica en Windsor: el regreso de una visita de Estado que no se repetía desde hace 44 años
Sultan of Oman welcomed by King Charles at UK state visit
King Charles III welcomes Sultan of Oman for state visit
What people are saying
In a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path
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
unique, special and founded on mutual respect