The National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has visited the United Kingdom at the invitation of the British Royal Family. The visit focused primarily on strengthening high-level bilateral ties, promoting Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, and fostering international cooperation in horse breeding.
As part of the visit, a series of high-level meetings took place at Windsor Castle on 16 May 2026, involving the British Monarch, members of the Royal Family.
Meeting with King Charles III
During the meeting with King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the sides exchanged warm greetings on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the British Crown. They emphasized the pivotal role of high-level dialogue in the harmonious development of bilateral relations.
King Charles III fondly recalled President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to London in 2023, as well as his own personal meeting with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in 2015 at the Çanakkale Memorial in Türkiye.
The British Monarch noted the global renown of Akhal-Teke horses and expressed hope that Turkmen steeds would participate in international equestrian events in the UK in 2027.
The King also noted that the participation of Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Children in Need of Care, was a sign of deep respect for the British people.
He emphasized that the Foundation’s Vice President effectively carries forward the noble initiatives of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, which hold both national and international significance.
Dialogue with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
The National Leader of Turkmenistan also held talks with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his spouse, Sophie Helen. The sides discussed historical milestones reflecting the British Royal Family’s long-standing interest in Akhal-Teke horses.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recalled a historic episode from 1956, when the renowned Turkmen horse breeder Babaly Taymazov presented Queen Elizabeth II with a magnificent buckskin Akhal-Teke named Melegush. This gift sparked a genuine admiration within the British monarchy for the Turkmen riding culture.
Elaborating on the story, Berdimuhamedov noted that during the presentation of the steed, the Queen remarked that the picture seemed incomplete. The horse was then saddled and adorned with precious traditional tack, yet Elizabeth II felt something was still missing. At that moment, a young Turkmen rider clad in a crimson don (traditional robe) and a white fur telpek (papakha) skillfully mounted the horse. Witnessing this spectacular sight, the Queen was deeply impressed and said: “For the Turkmens, the horse adorns the rider, and the rider adorns the horse.”
Particular attention during the talks was paid to the humanitarian track. Atabaeva presented the Turkmen experience of using scientifically-based hippotherapy for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities.
Prince Edward expressed a keen interest in this practice and welcomed the development of bilateral cooperation in this field.
At the conclusion of the official events, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov presented commemorative gifts to King Charles III, Prince Edward, and his spouse on behalf of the President and the people of Turkmenistan.
The National Leader invited members of the British Royal Family to visit Turkmenistan to participate in the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, as well as festive events dedicated to the Akhal-Teke horses.
Cultural Program and the Windsor Horse Show
As part of the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov attended Royal Windsor Horse Show, a prestigious equestrian performance at Windsor Castle, which featured horse breeders and their steeds from 20 countries, including Turkmenistan.
On the sidelines of the event, the National Leader toured a themed exhibition displaying unique examples of traditional Turkmen horse tack, precious equestrian ornaments, and artworks dedicated to the “heavenly” horses.
Sideline Meeting
A meeting also took place at Windsor Castle between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Chief of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elchin Guliyev. The Azerbaijani official conveyed greetings and special gifts on behalf of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Following the meeting, the National Leader of Turkmenistan, alongside other guests, watched an equestrian performance by Azerbaijani riders.
Upon concluding his visit, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov departed from London for Ashgabat. ///nCa, 18 May 2026