The King welcomed guests to St James's Palace this evening for a reception honouring the achievements of Britain's Nigerian community.
Among those attending the celebration was chart-topping musician Tinie Tempah, who said he had been “inspired” by Charles “getting his hands dirty” in his environmental documentary about the Duchy of Cornwall.
“Invite me, invite me,” he joked, as the King spoke to him about the royal lands.
The rapper later said: “I was inspired by the King because I always wanted to have a farm, so when I saw that the big man himself is getting his hands dirty…”
King Charles joined by UK rapper Tinie Tempah at royal reception celebrating Britain’s Nigerian community
|GETTY
His Majesty was photographed greeting the Pass Out hitmaker, whose birth name is Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu.
In addition, the King met viral social media personality Bemi Orojuogun, better known to her hundreds of thousands of followers as "Bus Aunty".
Ms Orojuogun, a 56-year-old mental health nurse based in London, has amassed a substantial online following through her distinctive content featuring the capital's iconic red double-decker buses.
Her videos, characterised by their silent, cheerful, and fashionable style, have accumulated more than 50 million views across the platform. The TikTok creator currently boasts 405,900 followers on the social media app.
Bemi Orojuogun, better known as 'Bus Aunty', can be seen in the background wearing a purple outfit
|GETTY
Her online success was formally recognised when she claimed the Video of the Year prize at the 2025 TikTok Awards.
Wednesday evening's gathering brought together figures from entertainment, healthcare, and Government to recognise the diverse contributions made by Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.
During the reception, the King had the opportunity to examine displays showcasing work produced by young participants in King Trust International programmes operating in Nigeria.
His Majesty also explored an exhibition assembled by Brand63Africa, which highlighted the creative output of Nigerian fashion designers based in Britain.
King Charles was honouring members of the Nigerian diaspora
|PA
The evening provided a platform to showcase the cultural and artistic connections between the two nations, with particular emphasis on emerging talent and established creative industries.
The King also met with several Nigerian Government representatives during the evening, including Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who serves as Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His Majesty additionally conversed with RAF Flight Lieutenants Charles and Colin Ihe, along with Dr Chike Ify Okocha, Joanne Edun, Elizabeth Jessica Edun, and Yinka Shonibare.
Music for the event at St James’s Palace was provided by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra.
King Charles III speaks with Joanne Edun and Elizabeth Jessica Edun
|PA
Asked by the band if he had managed to have any Jollof rice, a traditional Nigerian dish being served at the event, Charles laughed and said no.
“No, I couldn’t possibly eat and speak at the same time,” he said.
The reception comes ahead of a significant diplomatic occasion, with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu set to undertake a State Visit to Britain from March 18 to 19. The King and Queen will host the presidential couple at Windsor Castle.