The first royal to welcome the Sultan of Oman to Britain will not be King Charles himself. Instead, Prince William is expected to take on that important responsibility as Britain prepares for a historic state visit, the first of its kind in more than four decades. The Sultan’s arrival places the Prince of Wales at the centre of an important diplomatic occasion, raising fresh questions about his growing responsibilities and his position within the monarchy. Why has William been given such a prominent role, what does this visit mean for the royal family, and will Catherine, Princess of Wales, stand beside him?
Welcome back to British Royal Family, where we bring you the latest updates and exclusive insights into the British monarchy. There are two important developments to watch. The first is William’s increasingly visible role in welcoming international leaders to Britain. The second concerns Catherine, whose possible appearance at the upcoming state banquet has already attracted considerable attention. Subscribe now to follow every important moment in the royal family’s journey.
On Friday, October 9, Buckingham Palace announced the programme for the Sultan of Oman’s visit, scheduled for October 20 to 22. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will be welcomed to Britain for an occasion that carries considerable historical significance. According to the published arrangements, Prince William will meet the Sultan at his accommodation before accompanying him to Windsor, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will formally welcome their distinguished guest.
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The ceremonial reception is expected to include national anthems, a guard of honour and a procession towards Windsor Castle. Following the welcome, the royal party will attend a luncheon in the castle’s State Dining Room. A special exhibition featuring objects from the Royal Collection connected to Oman is also planned, offering a glimpse into the longstanding relationship between the two countries. The day will conclude with a state banquet, an evening traditionally associated with magnificent decorations, royal orders, formal speeches and dazzling tiaras.
For royal watchers, the banquet will provide another opportunity to examine the details of the evening, from the jewellery worn by senior royal women to the seating arrangements that bring influential figures together.
However, the importance of this visit extends far beyond its ceremonies. The last Omani state visit to Britain took place in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Sultan Qaboos. He ruled Oman for almost five decades before his death in January 2020, after which his cousin, Sultan Haitham, succeeded him. Before becoming ruler, Haitham spent years working in government, including serving as Minister of Heritage and Culture.
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The relationship between Britain and Oman has deep historical roots. Sultan Qaboos received military training at Sandhurst, the same prestigious British military academy associated with generations of military officers. King Charles has also visited Oman on several occasions. Following Sultan Qaboos’s death in 2020, Charles travelled to Muscat to express his condolences personally.
Against this background, the upcoming visit represents a meeting between two established monarchies with longstanding diplomatic connections. Yet much of the attention is focused on William and the prominent position he has been given in the welcoming arrangements.
This is not the first time the Prince of Wales has taken on such a responsibility. In June 2024, he welcomed Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanying them to the ceremonial reception at Horse Guards Parade. Later that year, William and Catherine welcomed the Amir of Qatar, marking one of Catherine’s significant public appearances following her cancer treatment.
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In July 2025, the couple greeted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife during a state visit that carried particular significance in the post-Brexit era. Then, in September, William and Catherine welcomed Donald Trump and Melania Trump during the American president’s second state visit to Britain.
Across these occasions, William has repeatedly appeared among the first members of the royal family to welcome visiting leaders. Catherine has frequently joined him, creating a familiar image of the future king and queen working together on the international stage.
William’s responsibilities have also expanded beyond state visits. In April 2025, he represented his father at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. Shortly afterwards, he stood alongside King Charles during commemorations marking the eightieth anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. He also visited Oman in 2019, giving him personal familiarity with the country he is preparing to welcome.
There are understandable reasons for William’s increasing visibility. In February 2024, King Charles announced that he was receiving treatment for cancer. Although the palace has not publicly disclosed the specific type, the diagnosis inevitably changed the circumstances surrounding his royal duties. Charles returned to public engagements in April that year, but in March 2025, he spent a short period in hospital after experiencing treatment-related side effects.
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The King subsequently shared encouraging news about his treatment, saying that it could be reduced in the new year. Nevertheless, his schedule remains demanding. After attending the opening of the Welsh Parliament with Queen Camilla on October 15, Charles is expected to host the Omani state visit before embarking on a Caribbean tour later in October.
William’s growing responsibilities have therefore become increasingly noticeable, although the palace has not announced any transfer of authority. The Prince of Wales is carrying out duties that naturally accompany his position as heir to the throne, much as Charles supported Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign.
Catherine’s possible participation is another major talking point. Buckingham Palace has not confirmed her precise role in the Omani visit, but previous state visits have encouraged speculation that she could attend the formal welcome and evening banquet. Attention has already turned to the possibility of her wearing the Lover’s Knot tiara, a treasured piece famously associated with Princess Diana and worn by Catherine on several occasions. Until an official announcement is made, however, such predictions remain speculation.
For Catherine, a return to these grand occasions also reflects her gradual resumption of public duties after treatment. She missed Japan’s state visit in 2024 but subsequently attended important banquets for the French and American presidents in 2025.
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