Security arrangements will be strengthened around the royal residence next week as King Charles prepares to host President Bola Tinubu and first lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle.
The state visit, scheduled for March 18 and 19, represents the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarchy.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said comprehensive security measures will be implemented across the town during the visit, including a temporary extension of the restricted airspace over Windsor.
Although a permanent airspace restriction already exists around Windsor Castle, authorities said the exclusion zone will be expanded on March 18 between 7:00 and 23:59 GMT as part of heightened security measures coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Adrian Hall, chief superintendent of Thames Valley Police’s joint operations unit, said the airspace limitation is only one component of the broader security operation.
“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.”
Police also disclosed that numerous officers with specialist capabilities will be deployed throughout Windsor during the visit.
According to the statement, the deployment will include search teams, armed officers, mounted police, and roads policing units.
Neighbourhood officers and patrol teams that conduct unpredictable operations aimed at deterring and detecting criminal activities will also be present to interact with residents and visitors.
Authorities added that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers will be utilised 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 said.
“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.”
Police further announced that several road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from March 17, warning that temporary disruptions could occur on roads within and around Windsor during the visit.
Some pedestrian walkways and crossings in the town centre will also be closed intermittently between 9:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 to facilitate a ceremonial procession.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to remain alert 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.”
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