The British royal family welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to Windsor on October 20, 2026. The ceremonial military reception was attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. This historic state visit marked the first official visit by a sultan of Oman to the United Kingdom in more than four decades. It featured a traditional carriage procession through Windsor and a formal welcome at Windsor Castle.
For the arrival ceremony, Catherine demonstrated her mastery of sartorial diplomacy. She wore a dark green coat designed by Sarah Burton and paired it with a matching hat by Juliette Botterill. She completed the look with a forest green Chanel handbag and sparkling Cassandra Goad earrings. The green ensemble reflected the enduring royal tradition of acknowledging visiting international dignitaries through thoughtful fashion choices, as green is a primary color on Oman’s national flag.
A Nod to Royal Heritage and History
The Princess of Wales also paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. She adorned her coat with the historic Queen Alexandra Three Feathers Brooch. This 163-year-old heirloom features diamonds and a detachable emerald drop. It was originally given to Princess Alexandra of Denmark upon her marriage in 1863 and was later worn by Diana. King Charles III gifted the piece to Catherine when she assumed the Princess of Wales title in 2022.
Sarah Burton famously designed Catherine’s 2011 wedding dress and previously served as the creative director at Alexander McQueen. Although Burton has since left the fashion house, the Princess of Wales continues to wear beloved pieces created during Burton’s tenure.
Full Day of Ceremonial Pomp and Diplomacy
Queen Camilla also aligned her attire with the Omani flag. She stepped out in a vibrant red wool crepe dress and matching coat by Fiona Clare. She topped her outfit with a Philip Treacy hat and a ruby and diamond flower brooch. Following official greetings and a royal gun salute fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the royals and their distinguished guest participated in a horse-drawn carriage procession through the streets of Windsor.
The daytime itinerary included an inspection of the Guard of Honour and a private lunch. It also featured a special viewing of items from the Royal Collection in the castle’s Green Drawing Room. This viewing highlighted centuries of diplomatic and cultural relations between the United Kingdom and Oman. The high-profile visit concluded with a glittering white-tie state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla in St George’s Hall.
