Britain will impose temporary road closures and tighten airspace restrictions over Windsor next week as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
The Nigerian leader is expected to begin the visit on Wednesday, 18 March, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu with an official reception scheduled to take place at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police said it is working closely with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners to coordinate safety arrangements for the high-profile visit.
Authorities confirmed that the permanent airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle will be extended on 18 March from 7:00 am until 11:59 pm as part of the security operation.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the force’s Joint Operations Unit said the measure forms one element of a wider security plan.
“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 visible to the public and others operating behind the scenes,” Hall said.
He added that the force has considerable experience policing royal ceremonies in Windsor and has carried out extensive planning to ensure the event proceeds safely.
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Police warned that the flight restrictions will be strictly enforced, saying that any breach of the airspace controls could amount to a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and may result in arrest.
Specialist units, including search teams, mounted officers, road policing patrols and armed response units, will be deployed across Windsor alongside neighbourhood officers and personnel from Project Servator.
Police stressed the security plan will also rely on Windsor’s extensive CCTV network, hostile-vehicle mitigation barriers, and other protective measures.
Residents and visitors have been urged to remain alert during the visit and to report suspicious activity by contacting police via 101 or speaking directly to officers on duty. In emergencies, members of the public should call 999.
Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will begin on Tuesday, 17 March, with disruption expected on routes in and around Windsor throughout the visit.
Thames Valley Police added that it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions.
People with legitimate reasons to operate drones during the restricted period have been asked to submit requests to police through a designated email channel.