Authorities are tightening security around Windsor Castle as President Bola Tinubu prepares for a state reception hosted by King Charles III, with extended airspace restrictions, road closures, and specialist police units on standby.
Authorities in the United Kingdom will impose extended airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers across Windsor next week as Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Tinubu is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, with a formal reception scheduled at Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British monarch.
In preparation for the high-profile visit, Thames Valley Police said it is coordinating security operations with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners.
The police stated that airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle—normally in place throughout the year—will be extended on Wednesday, March 18, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
According to authorities, the restrictions are part of a broader security arrangement designed to ensure the safety of the visiting Nigerian leader and members of the royal family during the event.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit of Thames Valley Police said the airspace limitation forms only one aspect of a comprehensive security operation planned for the visit.
“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not,” Hall said.
He added that the police force has extensive experience managing security during major royal events in Windsor and that significant planning had gone into preparations for the visit.
Hall warned that authorities would strictly enforce the restrictions, noting that any breach of the controlled airspace would constitute a criminal offence.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested,” he said.
To enforce the security plan, the police said several specialist units will be deployed across Windsor, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing officers, and armed units.
Neighbourhood policing teams and officers attached to the Project Servator initiative will also be on the ground to interact with the public and monitor suspicious activity.
Authorities also confirmed that road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with motorists advised to expect temporary disruptions around Windsor during the visit.
The police said the security operation will be supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the airspace restrictions.
Officials added that an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures will be deployed to safeguard the event.
“We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely,” Hall said.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 101 or contacting officers on duty. Authorities said emergencies should be reported via the 999 emergency line.
State visits and royal receptions in Windsor often attract tight security arrangements due to the presence of members of the royal family and visiting heads of state. Windsor, located west of London, regularly hosts major ceremonial events involving the British monarchy.
Tinubu’s upcoming visit is expected to include engagements with British officials and members of the royal household, highlighting diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
