Windsor will experience an increased police and security presence next week as the Sultan of Oman visits the UK for a state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will stay at Windsor Castle from 20 to 22 October.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) has confirmed that a comprehensive security operation will be in place throughout the visit, including temporary airspace restrictions.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall said the force had extensive experience managing security at royal events in Windsor, with considerable planning and preparation undertaken ahead of the Sultan’s arrival.
He explained that the airspace around Windsor Castle is already subject to permanent restrictions. However, these measures will be extended on 20 October, running from 07:00 BST until midnight, to strengthen security during the visit.
The Sultan’s forthcoming trip follows his previous meeting with King Charles at Windsor Castle in July 2025, when the two met for tea and held a private meeting.
The last state visit to the UK by an Omani Sultan took place in March 1982, when the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who died in 2020.
ROAD CLOSURES AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCED
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has announced temporary road closures and parking restrictions to support security arrangements on 19 and 20 October.
Several roads will be closed between 09:00 and 15:00 on both days. The affected routes include:
- Castle Hill
- B470, including River Street, Thames Avenue, Datchet Road, King Edward VII Avenue and Windsor Road
- Barry Avenue
- Thames Street
- High Street
- Park Street
- Sheet Street
- St Alban’s Street
Four car parks will also be unavailable between 07:00 and 17:00 on 19 and 20 October. These are Home Park, King Edward VII Avenue, River Street and Romney Lock.
The council has confirmed that all other car parks will remain open as usual.
FUNDING CONCERNS OVER PREVIOUS STATE VISITS
The security arrangements come amid concerns about the financial burden placed on Thames Valley Police when Windsor hosts major royal and state events.
In September, the region’s police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, said the area had been “short-changed” when previous state visits took place in Windsor.
Earlier in the year, Barber also said the force would not receive £900,000 to cover expenses incurred during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Windsor Castle in September 2025.
The Home Office, however, stated that it had reimbursed Thames Valley Police for additional policing costs associated with previous visits and would continue to do so for future events.
