The King and Queen have welcomed the Sultan of Oman to the UK for a state visit as the Duke of Sussex laid bare his relationship with the royal family in a bombshell interview.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said was greeted by Charles, Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales outside Windsor and Eton Riverside station amid autumnal downpours.
The important visit, cementing ties between two military allies, is likely to be overshadowed by Harry’s interview with GQ magazine, where he said he “wants it to work out” with his family amid their rift – but claimed that others “don’t want to”.
He also spoke about the health of his father, the King, who has cancer, when asked whether having a sick parent was triggering after the traumatic death of his mother: “Yes but, you know, he’s getting better.”
Oman is a key Middle East ally of the UK and the visit comes as America’s war against Iran continues, with the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, close to the coast of Oman, a key pinch point.
British forces have trained alongside Omani forces in their country for decades and Duqm is an important port town in Oman hosting a major UK strategic military presence.
Reports in the Middle East media suggest the King and Sultan are expected to discuss regional and international developments and explore ways to enhance bilateral coordination during the state visit.
The Sultan is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday after the two leaders spoke during the summer when they reportedly discussed efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
During the official welcome, the King removed his top hat to greet the Sultan, giving him a wide smile as he shook his hand, while Kate performed a deep curtsey as they stood under the covered dais.
In the pouring rain, without turning to the use of umbrellas, the royals and their guests stepped into the ornate horse-drawn enclosed carriages for the procession through the streets of Windsor to the castle, ahead of a ceremonial welcome in the quadrangle.
The Oxford-educated Sultan joined the King in the Irish State Coach, where they chatted side by side.
Charles was seen to pat down his own hair after his brief exposure to the drizzle.
The Queen followed in the second carriage – the Scottish State Coach – accompanied by Omani deputy prime minister for defence affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said.
William and Kate were in the third carriage – the Australian State Coach – with the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, and secretary general of the diwan of the royal court, Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said.
Camilla was dressed in a vivid red wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, a hat by Philip Treacy and ruby and diamond flower brooch – with the colour seemingly a nod to the Omani flag, as was Kate’s dark green Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat and Juliette Botterill hat.
William had earlier travelled on his own on behalf of the King to greet Oman’s ruler at one of his residences in the UK.
Kate arrived at the royal dais together with the King and Queen – in a change to the usual arrangements because the Sultan is not being accompanied by his wife during his stay.
Haitham bin Tarik Al Said’s state visit is the first by a Sultan of Oman to the UK for 44 years.
The last was in 1982 when Queen Elizabeth II hosted the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said – the current Sultan’s cousin – at Buckingham Palace.
On Tuesday evening, the King, Queen, William and Kate will entertain the Sultan at a glittering banquet in Windsor Castle’s vast St George’s Hall.
Working members of the royal family will be out in force for the grand evening affair.
The event is the first incoming state visit since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK, but Harry and Meghan, who are not working royals, do not take part in official royal engagements.
It also marks Mr Burnham’s first state banquet as Prime Minister, meaning he will be expected to be decked out in white tie and tails and seated next to key guests and close to the King during the celebration.
The Sultan last visited the King in the summer of 2025 for tea and a private meeting at Windsor Castle.
When the carriage procession reached Windsor Castle, it was met by a Guard of Honour formed by Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards and F Company, Scots Guards.
Behind them was the band of the Scots Guards, which played first the Omani national anthem followed by the British anthem as the carriages approached the royal dais.
The Guard of Honour – around 100 guardsmen and officers commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Storm Green – was formed in two lines.
Lt Col Green asked in Arabic if the Sultan would inspect the servicemen on parade.
As the rain fell, the King joined the senior officer and the Sultan to walk past each rank of soldiers.
The royal party then left for a private lunch, which was followed by the viewing of Royal Collection artefacts relating to Oman-UK relations.
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