Oman's Sultan Haitham Embraces British Style During State Visit to Windsor Castle

Oman's Sultan Haitham made a striking impression at a state banquet held in St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle on Tuesday. He arrived wearing a distinguished black velvet bisht abaya, adorned with intricate golden embroidery along the collar, front buttons, and seams. This regal attire was complemented by a striped purple and blue turban crafted from fine cashmere, a sartorial echo of his predecessor, the late Sultan Qaboos, during his 1982 visit to the UK. The ensemble was befitting of the state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, highlighting the Sultan's ability to command attention with tailored looks for every occasion.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Stansted Airport on Monday, Sultan Haitham opted for a more understated yet elegant appearance: a simple blue suit featuring a tunic jacket and a grey Karakul or Astrakhan hat.

The state banquet itself was a display of regal tradition and culinary excellence. The centerpiece of the table was the St George and the Dragon candelabrum, surrounded by pomegranates from the castle's East Terrace. The menu featured a selection of fine British produce, including Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab with avocado and tomato, followed by pot-roasted Windsor pheasant with spiced quince for the main course. Dessert was a classic baked Alaska, and after-dinner drinks included iced Earl Grey and date, iced mint, and rose tea.

The discussions at the banquet centered on global politics, with King Charles III commending Oman's crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. His Majesty also announced a forthcoming project between Prince William and the Sultan's son.

Sultan Haitham's fashion choices reflect Oman's dynamic role on the world stage. While Oman acts as a key mediator in regional conflicts, it is also actively pursuing reforms to boost investments and establish new economic hubs. The Sultan's upcoming visit to Downing Street marks his third in three years, with further meetings planned between the foreign, defence, and trade ministers of both nations.

His earlier meeting with former prime minister Keir Starmer saw him in a modern, businesslike attire: a blue tailored tunic, classic-fit trousers, and a smart black hat. Current Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has also expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with Oman, particularly regarding Oman's plans for a growth hub at Al Batinah, inspired by a project Burnham initiated in Manchester. He stated, “The UK and Oman have built a friendship which generates real benefits for people at home, and I look forward to shaping the next chapter of our relationship.”

The four-day visit underscores the long-standing British-Omani relations, tracing back to the sultanate's inception and historical trade routes. The 1982 state visit occurred shortly after a joint counterinsurgency operation between the UK and Oman. While Sultan Haitham's current ceremonial outfits pay homage to his predecessor's 1982 attire, they incorporate modern refinements.

During his meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle on Tuesday morning, Sultan Haitham wore a grey worsted wool open abaya with ornate golden embroidery at the seams, paired with a grey tailored tunic, trousers, and black dress shoes. His headwear was a white turban. This contrasts with his 2021 meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II, where he wore a three-piece suit in a distinctly British style. The Savile Row tailor Dege and Skinner, holding a royal warrant from the Omani rulers since 1981, has a long-standing relationship with the Sultanate, dating back to trunk shows in the 1970s.