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Britain will enforce airspace restrictions and deploy armed police in Windsor next week for President Bola Tinubu’s state visit, hosted by King Charles III.
President Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, are expected to arrive on Wednesday, March 18, beginning their visit with a reception at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police said it is coordinating with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other security partners to ensure the visit runs safely.
Airspace restrictions, which are normally in place around Windsor Castle year-round, will be extended on March 18 from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions are part of a wider security plan for the visit.
“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,” Hall said.
“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 warned that anyone breaching the air restrictions would be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could face arrest.
“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.”
Specialist officers, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing units, and armed personnel, will be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator teams.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.
Hall added, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999.”
Road closures and parking restrictions will start on Tuesday, March 17, and some traffic disruption is expected in and around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions, noting that those with legitimate reasons to fly drones can contact [email protected].
