The royal reception will feature a series of traditional ceremonies, including a horse-drawn carriage procession, a ceremonial welcome and an inspection of the Guard of Honour. The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, for the official engagements.
A grand state banquet will also take place at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle, bringing together members of the royal family and other distinguished guests.
Prince William is expected to receive the Sultan at his residence earlier in the day on behalf of the King before accompanying him to Windsor. Upon arrival, the Sultan will be welcomed by the King and Queen for the formal proceedings.
The visit also carries diplomatic significance as Oman continues to play a mediating role in regional affairs, particularly amid tensions in the Middle East. On Wednesday, the Sultan is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street to discuss issues including regional security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Sultan’s visit follows an earlier meeting with King Charles at Windsor Castle in July 2025, when the two leaders met privately over tea.
The last state visit to Britain by an Omani Sultan took place in March 1982, when the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a cousin of the current ruler, to Buckingham Palace. The latest visit therefore renews a longstanding royal relationship between the United Kingdom and Oman after more than four decades.
