LONDON: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom on Tuesday as part of his four-day state visit, reflecting the longstanding relations between Oman and the United Kingdom.
The official reception was hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with a series of royal ceremonies, including a 41-gun salute at Windsor Castle and another 41-gun salute at the Tower of London.
Ahead of the official ceremony, the Prince of Wales welcomed His Majesty the Sultan at his residence, expressing his pleasure over the visit.
His Majesty, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, then proceeded to Datchet Road, where members of the British royal cavalry lined the route to welcome the Omani leader.
Upon arrival at the ceremonial platform, His Majesty was received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Omani national anthem was played, and the King welcomed His Majesty, expressing his appreciation for the visit and its significance in strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries.
As part of the ceremonial reception, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute from within Windsor Castle, while a further 41 rounds were fired by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London.
His Majesty then greeted senior British officials, including Andrew Try, the King's representative in the Royal County of Berkshire, and Councillor Sian Martin, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The royal cavalry guard subsequently presented a ceremonial salute to His Majesty, followed by the playing of the Omani national anthem.
His Majesty the Sultan and King Charles III were then escorted by Lord Ashton of Hyde, Master of the Horse, to the principal royal carriage, while members of the official delegation boarded their designated carriages.
The royal procession then made its ceremonial journey towards Windsor Castle, accompanied by traditional royal pageantry.
Upon the arrival of the royal carriage at the castle's outer courtyard, a group of Omani students studying in the United Kingdom gathered to welcome His Majesty, expressing their happiness at the royal visit.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in London on Monday for a four-day state visit to the United Kingdom. He was received at Stansted Airport by Lord Henry Hood, the King's personal representative, along with British officials and members of the Omani diplomatic mission.
The visit marks the first state visit by a Sultan of Oman to the United Kingdom since 1982, when Sultan Qaboos bin Said was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
