King Charles III quoted a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at a state banquet for Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman at Windsor Castle. He gave part of his speech in Arabic. The banquet was held on 20 October 2026, during the Sultan’s state visit to the United Kingdom. Here is what was said, what else was in the speech and what the reports do not confirm.
What the King Said
According to Gulf Daily News, the King praised the character of the Omani people and quoted a Hadith, a saying attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The paper gives the English wording as: “Had you gone to the people of Oman, they would neither have insulted you nor beaten you.” Dialogue Pakistan words it a little differently: “If you were to come to the people of Oman, they would have neither reviled you nor beaten you.” The difference is in the English translation of the same saying.
Both reports say the King spoke part of his address in Arabic and used several Arabic phrases. The reports I could read do not give the Arabic text of the Hadith or name the book it comes from. If you want to share the Hadith, check its wording and source with a trusted scholar first.
The Banquet and the Visit
- Where: Windsor Castle.
- Date of banquet: 20 October 2026, according to Gulf Daily News.
- Visit dates: 20 to 22 October 2026, according to the Royal Household announcement.
- Hosts: The King and Queen.
- Guests: About 160, according to Dialogue Pakistan.
Is It 44 Years?
Yes, this matches the official record. The Royal Household says the last state visit to the UK by an Omani sultan was in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said. That is about 44 years ago. The Sultan has visited privately since then. For example, the King received him for tea and a private meeting at Windsor Castle on 4 July 2025.
Other Points From the Speech
Dialogue Pakistan reports that the King:
- praised Oman’s role in encouraging dialogue and easing tensions in the Middle East;
- spoke of the long historical, diplomatic and military ties between the UK and Oman;
- called Oman’s approach “constructive neutrality”;
- acknowledged Oman’s efforts to reduce tensions between the US and Iran;
- noted Oman’s commitment to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
These points come from one outlet. The full text of the speech was not available to me, so check the Royal Household website for the official version.
The King’s Link With Oman
The Royal Household says that as Prince of Wales, the King visited Oman four times. The latest was in January 2020, when he went to Muscat to offer condolences after the death of Sultan Qaboos. The Queen, then Duchess of Cornwall, joined him on a two-day visit in November 2016.
What Is Not Confirmed
- The Arabic text of the Hadith and its book reference.
- Whether the banquet menu or protocol was changed for the Sultan. GB News has a story on this, but I could not open it, so I have not included it.
- The full programme of the three days, beyond the banquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did King Charles quote a Hadith?
Yes, according to Gulf Daily News and Dialogue Pakistan, at the state banquet at Windsor Castle.
What did he say?
He quoted a saying attributed to the Prophet (PBUH) that people of Oman would not have insulted or beaten a visitor. He used it to praise the Omani people.
Did he speak in Arabic?
Yes, part of the speech was in Arabic.
Who is the Sultan of Oman?
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
When is the state visit?
20 to 22 October 2026.
When did an Omani sultan last make a state visit to the UK?
In March 1982, about 44 years ago.
The King’s words were a sign of respect for Oman, and they came during a visit that marks the first Omani state visit to Britain in 44 years.
