Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said reaffirmed Oman's commitment to diplomacy in his response to the King's speech, saying his country "seeks solutions... we believe in dialogue"
TBS Report
21 October, 2026, 12:35 pm
Last modified: 21 October, 2026, 12:37 pm
King Charles praised Oman's efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and its diplomatic mediation in the regional conflict with Iran during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, as the UK and Oman seek to strengthen ties amid heightened Middle East tensions.
Speaking in English with greetings in Arabic, the King commended Oman's "noble efforts in trying to keep open one of the world's most important shipping routes". He also highlighted the country's role in seeking to establish "where common ground might be found" in the conflict, says the BBC.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said reaffirmed Oman's commitment to diplomacy in his response to the King's speech, saying his country "seeks solutions... we believe in dialogue".
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The ongoing conflict has left the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route bordering Oman, effectively closed.
Historic visit and investment agreement
The visit marks the first UK state visit by a Sultan of Oman since 1982.
During the visit, the Sultan is due to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street to sign an agreement expected to generate more than £1 billion in new mutual investment across the two countries.
The King also highlighted the relationship between the two royal families, referring to a joint expedition project undertaken by his son Prince William and the Sultan's son Sayyid Theyazin.
"There can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next," Charles said.
Banquet brings together 160 guests
The state banquet was held in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, with 160 guests attending. Those present included Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Burnham, who was attending his first state banquet.
The tables featured elaborate candelabra, five glasses at each setting, pomegranates harvested from Windsor Castle's gardens and salt stamped with the cypher of King Charles.
In consideration of Muslim guests, the traditional banquet cocktail was replaced with a non-alcoholic spiced coffee drink.
The four-course menu included a croute of Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab with avocado, tomato consommé and celery, followed by pot-roasted Windsor pheasant with spiced quince.
The main course also included stuffed cabbage and braised fondant potatoes in Dijon mustard sauce, served with seasonal vegetables. Dessert was individual baked Alaska with Balmoral plum and Windsor estate honey ice cream.