Britain has recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures rising above 20C as much of the country enjoyed its most settled spell of spring to date.
A high of 20.9C was recorded, marking the UK’s peak temperature of the year so far. England also reached its own high point, with temperatures averaging around 20.2C, as mild conditions spread widely across the country.
The rise in temperature coincided with a major moment in the royal calendar. King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and First Lady Remi Tinubu in a full ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.
Set against warm spring sunshine, the visit unfolded with a display of royal tradition and military precision. President Tinubu and his wife, dressed in traditional robes, were received with mounted cavalry, horse-drawn carriages, a fanfare of trumpets and a gun salute.
A carriage procession carried the visitors into the quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where a military band performed on the patterned lawn. The ceremony continued with the playing of national anthems and a formal inspection of guards.
The Household Cavalry paraded across the grounds, kicking up dust as they passed in front of a viewing stand where the King, Queen and their guests watched proceedings.
Earlier, President Tinubu and the first lady had been welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before being escorted to meet the monarch and queen.
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Inside the castle, the focus shifted to cultural links between the two nations. The royal hosts showed items from the Royal Collection connected to Nigeria, including a Yoruba throne, sculptures, paintings and a manuscript of a poem by the writer Sir Ben Okri.
An exchange of official gifts followed. The Nigerian delegation received hand-crafted pottery, a silver photo frame featuring an image of the King and Queen, and a silver and enamel bowl.
In return, the monarch and queen were presented with a traditional Yoruba statuette and a jewellery box decorated with the faces of notable Nigerian women.
The combination of warm weather and royal ceremony gave the day added significance, bringing together a seasonal milestone and a carefully staged diplomatic occasion at the heart of the monarchy.
