King Charles Holds Hands with Nigeria’s President in Rare Moment. Here’s Why

King Charles shared an unexpected hand-holding moment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the state visit welcome

King Charles warmly welcomed Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the U.K., sharing a moment that displayed their bond.

During the official welcome ceremony to the state visit at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, March 18, the King, 77, and the president, 73, held hands at various times. As seen in a video shared on social media, the monarch first appeared to offer his hand to President Tinubu as they made their way down the steps of the dais. King Charles and Tinubu then continued to hold hands as they made their way inside the castle.

The affectionate display marked a departure from the usual protocol during state visits. However, hand-holding between men is a familiar sign of friendship and respect in Nigeria.

Body language expert Inbaal Honigman told Hello! magazine of the moment, “For the two leaders to hold hands is certainly unusual, as British men aren’t usually seen holding hands with one another. In Nigerian culture, however, it is perfectly normal for men to walk close together and even hold hands.”

“The King is a well-traveled and cultured person; if the president’s hand was offered to him with kindness, he would know that the intent is positive,” Honigman added.

The timing of the visit also added another layer. President Tinubu is Muslim and was observing Ramadan fasting, which calls for dawn-to-sunset abstinence from food and drink. As those observing the fast may experience fatigue, the gesture was also read as one of attentiveness and quiet support.

While visiting guests at state visits to the U.K. typically sit down for lunch after the official welcome, King Charles and President Tinubu instead used the time to have a private meeting. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla and first lady Oluremi Tinubu, who is not Muslim, had lunch together.

The Nigerian president broke his fast privately before the dinner at the state banquet on Wednesday evening. There, King Charles and Tinubu both gave speeches, with the British monarch acknowledging Ramadan in his remarks.

“My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Windsor Castle here on this occasion,” the King said. “We are most grateful to you for traveling during this holy month, which, I acknowledge, is no small sacrifice, and so it is my particular pleasure to wish you, Mr. President, peace, blessings and an abundance of joy.”

In a further nod of respect to Muslim traditions, the state banquet’s specially crafted cocktail was made with non-alcoholic ingredients.

Despite being the supreme head of the Church of England, King Charles has made interfaith relations a key pillar of his reign.

“I am determined, as King, to preserve and promote those principles across all communities, and for all beliefs, with all my heart,” he said shortly after his accession in 2022.

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On Thursday, March 19, the Nigerian first couple continued their state visit after a formal goodbye from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Via: People