Catherine, William, King and Queen brave the rain as royals welcome Sultan of Oman to Windsor

The Sultan rode in the lead carriage (the Irish State Coach) alongside King Charles III.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla rode in the second carriage with H.H. Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs^.

The Prince and Princess of Wales followed in a third carriage alongside H.H. Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

Positioned along the vital Strait of Hormuz, Oman maintains a delicate balancing act as a key mediator in the Middle East.

It maintains open channels with Western Governments and regional powers alike.

With broader security in the region increasingly strained by aggressive Iranian missile development, proxy activity, and persistent threats to commercial maritime trade routes, Muscat remains an indispensable diplomatic bridge.

Strengthening security cooperation with the Gulf state is a top priority for British foreign policy as Western allies seek to counter Tehran’s destabilising actions across the Middle East.

Upon arrival at Windsor Castle, the carriage procession entered the iconic Quadrangle, where a Guard of Honour (formed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards) delivered a Royal Salute.

The regimental Band played both the Omani and British national anthems before the Sultan, accompanied by King Charles, inspected the Guard of Honour.

The foreign leader then joined Their Majesties, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and senior Omani officials to view a full military rank and march past, including a March Past by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and a Rank Past by the Sovereign’s Escort, in the castle grounds.

The schedule for the remainder of the day shifts to private diplomatic discussions and traditional hospitality, beginning with a lunch hosted in the State Dining Room for the foreign delegation and members of the Royal Family.

Following the meal, Their Majesties will invite Sultan Haitham to view a specially curated exhibition featuring historical items relating to Oman from the Royal Collection.

The opening day of the state visit will conclude this evening with a formal State Banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by the King and Queen for the Omani monarch and accompanying dignitaries.

Both King Charles and Sultan Haitham are scheduled to deliver speeches at the start of the banquet, where they are expected to address regional security concerns, trade partnerships, and the ongoing trajectory of bilateral relations between the two nations.