Who pays for state visits in Windsor?

State visits are among the UK's most high-profile diplomatic events, with presidents and monarchs travelling to the UK and meeting the King.

Many are currently taking place at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace is undergoing a 10-year, £369m refurbishment.

But the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has said it can no longer afford to support future visits.

It is calling for central government to give assurances about funding, after not being reimbursed for three visits last year.

But preparations are continuing for next month's state visit by the president of Nigeria - so how do state visits to the UK actually work, and who foots the bill?

A state visit is a formal visit to the UK by a foreign head of state like a monarch or president.

In the UK, they are typically hosted by the King with full ceremonial honours.

They are grand occasions, which aim to strengthen relationships between countries.

In 2025, Windsor welcomed French president Emmanuel Macron, US president Donald Trump and German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Although the King is the formal host, the UK government decides which leaders to invite, based on diplomatic priorities and international relations.

Invitations are issued in the monarch's name on the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), while the Royal Household organises the ceremonial welcome and hospitality.

Planning can also involve other government departments and local partners like councils and police forces.

Guests usually stay at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

Most visits include:

• A ceremonial welcome (often at Horse Guards Parade, Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace)

• An inspection of a Guard of Honour

• A carriage procession with the King

• A state banquet hosted in the visitor's honour

• Meetings with the Prime Minister and senior government figures

A visit to - and speeches at - the Houses of Parliament can also form part of the schedule.

Security is planned as a multi-agency operation that is led by police.

This includes the Metropolitan Police for London events and Thames Valley Police when visits involve Windsor.

The forces work alongside national security partners and government departments to manage crowds, protection and public safety.

The FCDO covers most core costs in the UK, including accommodation, internal transport and meals for the visiting delegation

The department can provide extra funding where police forces face significant additional security costs.

The visiting country normally pays for international travel to and from the UK, while local authorities may also incur logistical costs linked to hosting major events.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said it spent about £350,000 supporting three state visits in 2025 and has not been reimbursed.

It has said that local taxpayers cannot be expected to cover the costs and warned that it would not support future events without government reassurance.

Thames Valley Police has raised similar concerns.

Police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber said it was unable to reclaim about £900,000 in officer time linked to Donald Trump's state visit because current funding rules do not cover staffing costs.

The Home Office said TVP would "receive additional costs" linked to the state visit.

The FCDO was contacted for a comment.

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