Not every Nigerian royal gets an invite to Commonwealth Day in London. The Olu of Warri just did, and he brought the moment back for everyone to see.
Ogiame Atuwatse III and his wife, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, attended the 2026 Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey on Monday, joining leaders and representatives from all 56 member states of the Commonwealth.
Queen Camilla and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey were also present at the service.
After the ceremony, King Charles III hosted guests at a reception at St James’s Palace, where the Olu and Olori were among those received by the monarch. A video shared on Ogiame Atuwatse III’s Instagram page captured the meeting, and it has been making the rounds since.
The invitation came through Botchwey herself, following her visit to the Warri Kingdom. Ogiame Atuwatse III noted in his Instagram post that Commonwealth Day brings together representatives of member states each year to mark shared values and renew commitments to cooperation and development.
The couple’s presence at the event reflects more than ceremonial significance. Before becoming the 21st Olu of Warri in August 2021, Ogiame Atuwatse III built a career across the legal and energy sectors and holds a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University.
Olori Atuwatse III studied law at the London School of Economics and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010.
She has since led community programmes in the Warri Kingdom, including the Wuwu Ore medical outreach and the Royal Iwere Foundation, which focuses on maternal health, child literacy, and STEM education across the Niger Delta.
Two lawyers. One royal throne. A meeting with King Charles. The Warri Kingdom is having a moment on the global stage.
