King Charles praises Oman's peace role during Sultan Haitham's UK state visit
The British monarch highlighted Oman's "constructive neutrality" and its help reopening the Strait of Hormuz at a banquet attended by about 160 guests.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Britain’s King Charles III praised Oman’s diplomatic work in the Middle East during a banquet on 20 Oct 2026, the first day of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s three‑day state visit to the United Kingdom.
What happened
The Sultan arrived at Windsor Castle on 20 Oct 2026 and was received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. A state banquet was held that evening for roughly 160 guests, where the king made remarks about Oman’s “noble efforts” to help reopen the choked Strait of Hormuz and its “constructive neutrality” across the Gulf.
What the reports add
Gulf News reported that Charles said, “I would especially like to recognise, at a time when conflict has returned so painfully to the region, Oman's enduring commitment as a trusted interlocutor to all parties.” The outlet also noted the banquet’s setting at the Royal Dias, Datchet Road, Windsor.
Al Jazeera echoed the king’s comments and added that the Sultan, during the banquet, said Oman had chosen “an independent path” of diplomacy and thanked Britain for standing beside it.
What was said
King Charles III told the guests, “Oman's role across the Gulf and her ‘constructive neutrality’, as you put it, matters far beyond Hormuz, and is worthy of our utmost respect.”
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq responded, “In a region that has known too much conflict, Oman has chosen a different path, an independent path… Britain has been a friend on this path and has stood beside us in this duty.”
How it came about
The visit follows a historic pattern: it is the first state visit by an Omani ruler to the UK in 44 years. Felo News previously covered the start of the Sultan’s trip, noting a royal salute, upcoming talks on security and trade, and a new investment and maritime‑security pact slated for a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham (see earlier report).
Key facts
- King Charles praised Oman's peacemaking role and its help reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (gulfnews.com)
- Sultan Haitham bin Tariq began a three‑day state visit to the UK on 20 Oct 2026. (aljazeera.com)
- The banquet was attended by about 160 guests at Windsor Castle. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com
- [2] aljazeera.com
- [3] standard.co.uk
