Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman will travel to Britain for a state visit running from October 20 to 22, kicking off what is expected to be a busy season of royal hospitality.
The three-day trip will be the first incoming state visit on the calendar this year, and it points to another dazzling evening of ceremony at Windsor Castle. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will act as hosts throughout the Sultan's stay, welcoming him with the kind of formal pageantry state visits are known for, including a ceremonial ribbon of ceremony and a white-tie banquet fit for the occasion.
As with previous state visits, Prince William and Kate are expected to take on visible roles alongside the King and Queen. Their involvement has become something of a tradition during these high-profile diplomatic events, and this one looks to be no exception.
The buzz building around the visit has already caught the attention of royal watchers, with several outlets pointing to what they're calling Kate's "next tiara moment." People.com was among those to highlight the possibility, noting that the Princess of Wales could be in line for another headline-grabbing tiara appearance when the banquet takes place.
Tiaras aren't something royal women wear on just any occasion. As People.com pointed out, state banquets remain one of the few settings where the sparkling headpieces make an appearance, which is exactly why fans and fashion watchers tend to pay especially close attention whenever one of these visits rolls around.
With the date now locked in, all eyes will be on Windsor Castle come late October, as the Waleses once again step into their now-familiar role at the heart of British royal diplomacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman will make a state visit to the UK from October 20–22, 2026.
- It marks the first incoming state visit of the season, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
- The visit will include traditional ceremonial welcomes and a white-tie state banquet.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to play prominent roles, as they have during past state visits.
- Media outlets, including People.com, have speculated the banquet could bring Kate's next tiara appearance, since state banquets are among the rare occasions tiaras are worn.
