Original Coverage & Source Attribution: pagesix.com
Prince William stepped up for King Charles to welcome the Sultan of Oman at the start of his state visit to the UK on Tuesday.
The Prince of Wales greeted Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in London on his father’s behalf, before accompanying him to Windsor, where the Omani ruler received an official welcome by Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla at the Royal Dais on Datchet Road.
The group, which also included Kate Middleton, participated in a royal salute in Windsor’s Home Park, before they enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
William, 44, wore a black suit with gray pants and a blue tie for the royal duty, matching with his cancer-stricken father.
Meanwhile, Middleton, 44, had on a light blue outfit, while Camilla, 79, wore all red.
Later in the day, the royals and the Sultan will be joined by Prime Minister Andy Burnham for a state banquet at the castle.
A Sultan of Oman hasn’t made an official state visit to the UK since March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth welcomed Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
At the time, bomb disposal officers blew up a car parked near Clarence House, fearing a bomb was planted in the boot of the vehicle, just minutes before Elizabeth was set to drive past with the Sultan, according to The Telegraph.
However, the bomb scare ended up being a false alarm.
Since Charles became king in 2022, William and Middleton have taken on the job of welcoming foreign leaders to the UK.
In July 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales greeted French President Emmanuel Macron at the Royal Dais at Datchet Road at Windsor Castle.
Two months later, the couple welcomed US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle on the monarchy’s behalf.
But since Charles’ 2024 cancer diagnosis, William has taken on more prominent royal duties as he prepares to be king.
In fact, it was reported that William helped make the decision to strip his uncle, disgraced former Prince Andrew, of his titles over his friendship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In addition, William is still refusing to reconcile with his brother, Prince Harry, and sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, who recently moved back to the UK to be closer to Charles.
