Tight security arrangements and temporary airspace restrictions will be enforced in Windsor during the state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
King Charles is scheduled to host President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on March 18 and 19 as part of a state visit, the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarch.
According to Thames Valley Police, the security operation will include an expanded airspace exclusion zone over Windsor alongside a large deployment of officers and specialised security teams. Although Windsor Castle already operates under permanent airspace controls, the restricted zone will be extended on March 18 from 07:00 to 23:59 GMT.
Authorities warned that anyone who violates the airspace restriction risks immediate arrest.
Police said extensive preparations have gone into the visit, with multiple security units set to be deployed across the town. The operation will involve search teams, armed police, mounted units and roads policing officers.
Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams, which conduct unpredictable patrols aimed at deterring and detecting potential criminal activity, will also be present and interacting with members of the public.
Security officials will further rely on Windsor’s wide CCTV surveillance network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers placed at strategic locations around the town.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Joint Operations Unit said the police have considerable experience handling major royal events in Windsor and have carried out detailed planning for the visit.
He noted that the goal of the operation is to ensure the safety of dignitaries, visitors and residents while allowing the public to witness the historic occasion.
Authorities have also announced a number of road closures and parking restrictions beginning March 17, warning residents and visitors that traffic disruptions may occur in and around Windsor during the visit.
In addition, some pedestrian routes and crossings in the town centre will be temporarily closed between 09:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 to accommodate a ceremonial procession linked to the state visit.
