Security will be tightened in and around the royal residence next week as King Charles hosts President Bola Tinubu and first lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle.
The visit, set for March 18 and 19, marks the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy.
Thames Valley Police stated that extensive security measures will be in place throughout Windsor, including a temporary expansion of the airspace restriction over the castle. A permanent airspace restriction already exists, but on March 18 it will be extended from 7:00 to 23:59 GMT as part of enhanced security measures coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Adrian Hall, chief superintendent of Thames Valley Police’s joint operations unit, explained that the airspace restriction is only one element of a broader security plan.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
A significant number of officers with specialist capabilities will be deployed across Windsor, including search teams, armed officers, mounted police, and roads policing units. Neighbourhood officers and teams conducting unpredictable patrols to deter and detect criminal activity will also engage the public.
Police will utilize Windsor’s CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to ensure the event proceeds safely.
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall added.
“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries and spectators, as well as the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”
Several road closures and parking restrictions will be implemented from March 17, with officers warning of temporary disruptions on roads in and around Windsor during the visit. Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 9:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 to allow for a ceremonial procession.
Police urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers,” Hall said.
“If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999.”