Kate’s secret message to Camilla, Charles’ kind gesture and ‘diplomatic’ jokes about jollof rice: All the moments you missed from the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years

The royal family’s recent reception of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his spouse, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, marked the first state visit from the couple in over three decades. A standout moment occurred as Kate subtly praised Camilla, while Charles extended his hand to the Nigerian leader during the formal welcome in Windsor.

The King presided over the royal contingent as they greeted the visitors, culminating in a lavish banquet where he delivered a spirited toast. The event included thoughtful arrangements for Muslim attendees fasting during Ramadan, such as a designated prayer area and Iftar setup.

Among the highlights of the three-day visit were cultural exchanges, including the King’s lighthearted remarks about jollof rice—a dish cherished across West Africa. The Princess of Wales also demonstrated grace with a flawless curtsy, adding a touch of warmth to the proceedings.

William and Kate were seen exchanging private laughter, hinting at shared amusement. Meanwhile, Charles received a warm welcome from his stepmother, showcasing the personal connections within the royal circle.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Nicola Hickling noted that Kate and Camilla likely exchanged affectionate words, with Kate opening the dialogue by saying, ‘Good morning, how are you?’ and following it with, ‘you look beautiful!’

Camilla made a striking appearance in a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret designed by Philip Treacy. She also wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier flower clip brooches, drawing attention as crowds gathered in Windsor to witness the arrival.

During the ceremonial welcome at the Quadrangle, royal observers noted a rare moment of intimacy as the King offered his hand to Mr. Tinubu. Body language expert Inbaal Honigman suggested this gesture may reflect the Nigerian President’s courteous nature and Charles’s cultural awareness.

‘The King appears to glance downward, steadying himself as they walk. It’s possible he found the gravel a bit challenging, and President Tinubu offered his hand to assist,’ Honigman explained. ‘For two men to hold hands is unusual in Britain, but common in Nigerian culture, where close physical contact between men is a sign of camaraderie.’

The King’s address included a memorable line that resonated with Nigerian heritage: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’—a phrase symbolizing the nation’s perseverance and commitment to excellence. The speech also highlighted Nigeria’s status as the UK’s largest African export market, a point emphasized during January’s economic discussions.

Charles commended the UK’s significant Nigerian diaspora, referring to them as a ‘living bridge’ connecting the two nations. He noted their role in enriching cultures, strengthening security ties, and boosting economic prospects.

Reflecting on shared history, the monarch acknowledged past challenges but framed them as lessons for future collaboration. ‘History is not just a record of what was done to us,’ he stated, ‘but a guide for how we move forward together to build a future rooted in growth and hope for all.’