By Publisher Ray Carmen
A remarkable moment at Windsor Castle celebrates friendship, faith and the enduring relationship between Britain and Oman.
In an extraordinary moment of royal diplomacy, King Charles III quoted the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic while welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to a magnificent state banquet at Windsor Castle.
The occasion, held on 20 October 2026, marked the first state visit to Britain by an Omani ruler in 44 years.
Before distinguished guests gathered in the historic St George’s Hall, the British monarch paid a remarkable tribute to the character, generosity and hospitality of the Omani people.
Referring to a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, King Charles declared:
“Had you gone to the people of Oman, they would neither have insulted nor struck you.”
The quotation, delivered in Arabic, became one of the defining moments of the royal occasion, attracting international attention and circulating widely on social media.
A MAGNIFICENT ROYAL WELCOME
The Sultan’s arrival was celebrated with all the splendour associated with a British state visit.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, welcomed the Omani ruler at Windsor.
Royal salutes, military honours and a ceremonial carriage procession through Windsor accompanied the historic occasion.
Later, the King and Queen hosted a glittering state banquet in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.
The evening celebrated centuries of friendship between two monarchies whose relationship extends across diplomacy, maritime trade, defence and culture.
A KING WHO RESPECTS DIFFERENT FAITHS
King Charles has demonstrated a longstanding interest in the world’s great religious and cultural traditions.
His decision to quote the Prophet Muhammad was especially significant.
It recognised Oman’s Islamic heritage and demonstrated the importance of mutual understanding between different faiths and civilisations.
The King’s words also highlighted the historical reputation of the Omani people for hospitality, dignity and tolerance.
OMAN — A NATION OF PEACE AND DIPLOMACY
Oman has established an international reputation for dialogue, diplomacy and its willingness to maintain relationships across political divisions.
Under Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the country continues to pursue economic development while maintaining its distinctive diplomatic approach.
During his banquet address, King Charles praised Oman’s efforts to promote regional stability and maintain vital international shipping routes.
He paid particular tribute to the Sultanate’s constructive role in seeking dialogue during periods of conflict.
A FRIENDSHIP SPANNING CENTURIES
Britain and Oman share a relationship extending back hundreds of years.
The King recalled his friendship with the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose leadership transformed modern Oman while preserving its cultural heritage.
He also acknowledged Sultan Haitham’s Vision 2040 programme, which aims to diversify Oman’s economy and expand opportunities for future generations.
The monarch expressed particular satisfaction that younger members of the two royal families are continuing this longstanding friendship.
Prince William and Oman’s Crown Prince, Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham, have become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia expedition, reflecting the relationship between a new generation of leaders.
THE WORDS THAT CAPTURED INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
Royal state visits are traditionally remembered for their ceremonial splendour, diplomatic significance and magnificent banquets.
Yet occasionally a single sentence becomes the defining moment.
At Windsor Castle, King Charles’s quotation from the Prophet Muhammad provided precisely such an occasion.
His words represented a public expression of respect for the religious and cultural heritage of an important British ally.
In a world frequently divided by political tensions and religious misunderstandings, the gesture offered a reminder of the value of dialogue and mutual respect.
THE WORLD OF 7 & CARIBBEAN WORLD PERSPECTIVE
The historic meeting between King Charles III and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik demonstrated the enduring importance of personal relationships in international diplomacy.
Beyond the grandeur of Windsor Castle, the royal procession and the glittering state banquet, the occasion carried a message that reached far beyond Britain and Oman.
It was a message of friendship, understanding and respect between nations, cultures and faiths.
And sometimes, in the grand theatre of world diplomacy, a few carefully chosen words can speak louder than an entire banquet of speeches.
