King Charles III welcomed Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Windsor Castle during a historic state visit, and the evening quickly turned into a moment of cultural celebration after the King playfully settled one of West Africa’s most famous debates.

During the lavish state banquet held in St George’s Hall, King Charles greeted the room in the Yoruba language before raising a toast that had Nigerian guests cheering. Referencing the long running rivalry over which country makes the best Jollof rice, the King made it clear where his loyalties lie, backing Nigeria in the friendly culinary competition.

The comment delighted attendees and quickly sparked conversation online, as the debate over Jollof rice between countries such as Nigeria and Ghana has long been a playful but fiercely defended cultural rivalry across West Africa.

The King followed the moment with another crowd pleasing line, raising his glass and declaring “Naija No Dey Carry Last,” a popular Nigerian phrase that means Nigerians never come last.

Around 160 guests attended the banquet, including prominent figures from politics, sport and the arts. Among those present were England rugby captain Maro Itoje, Olympic gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu and celebrated poet Ben Okri.

Senior members of the Royal Family were also present for the evening, including Queen Camilla and Prince William alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales.

In his speech, the King praised Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice,” highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

He also reflected on the growing influence of Nigerian culture globally, pointing to the rise of Afrobeats music and the global popularity of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood.

Because the visit falls during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, special arrangements were made for Muslim guests. A prayer room was set up inside Windsor Castle, and the usual state visit lunch hosted by the King did not take place.

Beyond the celebrations, King Charles also acknowledged the complex history between the two nations, referencing the “painful marks” left by the colonial past.

“I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can,” he said, adding that he hopes both countries can continue building a future based on partnership and mutual respect.

The visit marks an important diplomatic moment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, but it was the King’s playful intervention in the Jollof rice debate that many guests will remember most.

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