Windsor: An official reception ceremony was held in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, at Windsor Castle today on the occasion of His Majesty's state visit to the friendly United Kingdom (UK).
Ahead of the official reception ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales greeted His Majesty the Sultan at His Majesty's residence. Prince of Wales expressed his delight at this gracious visit.
The royal procession, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, then proceeded to Datchet road, where a squadron of British Royal Cavalcade lined both sides of the road in welcome of the auspicious arrival of His Majesty the Sultan.
Upon the arrival of the royal procession at the Dais of Honour, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Her Majesty Queen Camilla stood at the forefront of those receiving His Majesty the Sultan.
His Majesty King Charles III welcomed His Majesty the Sultan, expressing the utmost pride in this gracious visit, which affirms the depth of the firmly rooted historical relations between the two friendly countries and the close bonds that unite them. He wished His Majesty the Sultan and his accompanying delegation a visit crowned with success and prosperity.
In welcome of His Majesty the Sultan, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired forty-one-gun salute from the inner courtyard of Windsor Castle, while the Honourable Artillery Company fired forty-one-gun salute.
His Majesty the Sultan then shook hands with senior British officials receiving him, namely Andrew Try, Lord-Lieutenant of His Majesty the King in the Royal County of Berkshire; Councillor Sian Martin, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and a number of British officials.
The Royal Horse Guards then rendered the royal salute to His Majesty the Sultan, and the Omani Royal Anthem was played.
Thereafter, Lord Ashton of Hyde, Master of the Horse, accompanied His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty King Charles III to the principal royal carriage, while members of the official delegation boarded the carriages designated for them. Then, the royal procession set off in a celebratory march toward Windsor Castle.
Upon the arrival of the royal carriage at the outer courtyard of Windsor Castle, a number of Omani students in the United Kingdom lined up, expressing their joy at the visit of His Majesty the Sultan.
As the principal royal carriage entered Windsor Castle, the Guard of Honour rendered the royal salute, and the Omani Royal Anthem and the British Royal Anthem were played.
His Majesty the Sultan then inspected the Guard of Honour, accompanied by His Majesty the King. The two monarchs witnessed military parade formations staged by the Royal Horse Artillery and the King's Life Guard.
A reception was also held for His Majesty the Sultan at Windsor Castle, where His Majesty shook hands with His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and His Royal Highness Prince Edward and his spouse Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
His Majesty the King then shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying His Majesty the Sultan.