The state visit saw a warm moment as King Charles greeted the Sultan of Oman with a witty joke. The King welcomed the Omani ruler to Windsor on October 20 alongside senior working royals. It marks the first official state visit from Oman in 44 years, and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s first state visit to the U.K. since becoming Sultan.
King Charles shares cheeky moment with the Sultan of Oman during state visit
King Charles looked cheerful as he shared a playful exchange with the Sultan of Oman at the start of the Windsor state visit yesterday. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is on a three-day state visit to the U.K. from October 20 to 22. He is being hosted by the King and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Light rain fell over the historic town as the royals assembled outside the castle for the troop inspection and national anthems. His Majesty chose shelter under an umbrella, while his guest carried on as if the drizzle wasn’t there.
The moment was evident when Charles kindly offered to share his umbrella, only for the Sultan to politely decline. According to a lip-reader, the King then responded with a witty five-word quip, “We like to stay dry.”
Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling has broken down the exchange between the two in the rain. Speaking to the Daily Express, she revealed what the Sultan of Oman said after the monarch offered to share his umbrella.
The Omani ruler apparently said, “No, it’s not exactly pouring, is it,” before rolling his eyes. Charles responded with “Very well,” before jokingly adding, “We like to stay dry.” Sultan Haitham bin Tariq was then heard replying, “It’s what you are used to.” The King concurred, “It is indeed.”
The previous Omani state visit took place in 1982, when the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The royal family turned out in force for this one, including Prince William and Princess Catherine. Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present at yesterday’s events, which culminated in a dazzling white-tie state banquet held at the castle.
