The King’s youngest son, Prince Harry, was not present, as he’s not a working royal. But he had stolen some of the attention from the state visit, with the publication of an interview in which he said he wanted to reconcile with his family.
“Some people don’t want it to work out. I want it to work out. With everything else that’s going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile – that’s the key point,” Prince Harry told GQ in New York.
There was wine available at the banquet, but with Muslim guests of honour, the traditional banquet cocktail was replaced by a non-alcoholic spiced coffee drink.
The state banquet, served in St George’s Hall, offered guests:
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Croute of Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab with avocado, tomato consommé, and celery
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Pot roasted Windsor pheasant with spiced quince
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Stuffed cabbage and braised fondant potatoes in a Dijon mustard sauce
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Selection of assorted seasonal vegetables
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Individual baked Alaska with Balmoral plum and Windsor estate honey ice cream
Earlier on this grey autumn day, the Omani delegation had been formally welcomed by the King and Queen, before a carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
State visits are a mix of pageantry and politics, with the carefully choreographed hospitality providing an opportunity for talks about business and military links.
During his visit to the UK, the Sultan’s delegation will be meeting UK business representatives.
This visit is taking place against the sensitive background of tensions in the Middle East, with Oman facing Iran, on the other side of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The King’s speech emphasised the long partnership between the UK and Oman and the importance of Oman’s efforts at bridge building in a time of conflict.
On Wednesday, the Sultan will head to Downing Street for a meeting with the prime minister.
