JUST IN: President Tinubu concludes UK state visit after meetings with King Charles, PM Starmer

President Bola Tinubu has concluded his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom after meetings with King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Tinubu and his wife were seen off at Windsor Castle by Charles and Camilla, queen consort of the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian president and the British monarch briefly exchanged pleasantries outside the castle entrance before warmly shaking hands and saying goodbye.

The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards lined the quadrangle of the castle as a trumpeter sounded a royal salute before Tinubu and his wife departed the grounds in a waiting Bentley.

A palace spokesperson described the visit as cordial and marked by goodwill between both leaders.

“The visit was marked by genuine warmth and mutual respect from the King and the President,” the spokesperson said.

“As demonstrated from their two speeches at the State Banquet, there exists a strong friendship and wealth of opportunity between our two nations.

“With the complexity of geopolitical issues across the world, it underscores the importance of standing close and proud with our Commonwealth partners.”

During the visit, Tinubu attended a state banquet hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle and also laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey. Tinubu later travelled to 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with Starmer.

Before departing the United Kingdom, the Nigerian president and first lady were scheduled to visit the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern and attend a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the country.