History-making visit a feast for the eyes

THE King proved he was fast friends with the president of Nigeria in the first UK state visit adapted to Ramadan for a century — and a banquet held after sunset to fit in with the visitor’s Muslim faith.

- BY REBECCA RUSSELL Deputy Royal Editor

Queen, King, president and first lady arrive at Buckingham Palace, right, Catherine in Nigerian-green dress with the Lover's Knot tiara

Charles offered the hand of friendship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was fasting during daylight hours in accordance with the holy month.

The banquet also included a specially created nonalcoholic cocktail inspired by a classic Nigerian drink called the Chapman.

The Royal Household’s version used a zobo, a popular West African beverage made of dried hibiscus flowers, mixed with an English rose soda and a homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup.

Also for the first time in living memory, canapes were offered ahead of the meal for Muslim guests who were unable to partake in iftar — the breaking of their fast — earlier at sunset.

Salute

At the banquet, the guests were treated to a menu of quail egg tartlets, turbot with vegetables and summer fruit puddings, washed down with a selection of fine wines.

The Princess of Wales dazzled in a modest gown by designer Andrew Gn, with a high neck and long sleeves, in the green of the Nigerian flag.