Britain will enforce airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week ahead of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Tinubu, accompanied by his wife Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to begin the visit on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police said on Wednesday that it is coordinating with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to ensure a safe visit.
The existing permanent airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on March 18 from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. as part of a broader security operation.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall, of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit, said: “The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu. Many measures will be visible, and others will remain discreet. We have significant experience in policing Royal events, and extensive planning has gone into this visit.”
Hall warned that breaches of the airspace restrictions would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could result in arrest.
Police deployment
A wide range of officers with specialist capabilities will be deployed across Windsor, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units, and armed officers. Neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources will also engage with the public.
“We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other security measures to ensure the event runs safely,” Hall added.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via 101, or call 999 in an emergency.
Traffic and airspace
Road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, March 17, with potential temporary disruption to traffic in and around Windsor.
The Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services will assist Thames Valley Police in enforcing the flight restrictions. Individuals with legitimate reasons for drone operations are advised to contact TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk.
