According to Punch Newspapers, Britain’s King Charles III hosted a landmark state banquet for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, marking the first day of a significant two-day diplomatic visit. In a moment that immediately went viral across social media, the monarch closed his speech by referencing the popular Nigerian slang “Naija No Dey Carry Last,” a phrase signifying the country’s legendary resilience and competitive spirit.
The event, held in St George’s Hall, served as a high-profile celebration of the enduring cultural and economic ties between the UK and Nigeria. The King’s use of Nigerian Pidgin was seen as a deliberate nod to the soft power of Nigerian pop culture, which currently dominates global music and fashion trends.
Beyond the catchy slogans, the banquet emphasized a “partnership of equals,” with the King also wishing the Nigerian people and the global Muslim community an early “Eid Mubarak.” The visit is expected to pave the way for new bilateral agreements in trade, education, and security.
As the President’s visit continues, this moment has sparked a wave of pride across the Nigerian “X” and TikTok communities. Analysts suggest that such high-level cultural recognition from the British monarchy signals Nigeria’s growing influence as a global cultural powerhouse that can no longer be ignored in Western diplomatic circles.
In a report by AFP on IndoPremier, the monarch was quoted as saying:
“To the President and people of Nigeria – ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last!’”
The Nation Nigeria also confirmed the cultural significance of the toast, noting:
“King Charles III hailed the ‘partnership of equals’ with Nigeria during the state banquet at Windsor.”
Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/full-text-king-charles-speech-at-state-banquet-for-tinubu/#google_vignette March 18, 2026
Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers
