Britain’s colonial history took center stage in Kenya as King Charles embarked on a four-day state visit, addressing the “painful aspects” of the countries’ shared past. Accompanied by Queen Camilla on his first visit as monarch to a former colony, Charles arrived in the capital Nairobi overnight.
Amidst a drizzly morning, the King was greeted at the Presidential Palace with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honor. President William Ruto, alongside King Charles, planted trees in the palace grounds. The royal couple then paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens, the historic site where Kenya declared independence in December 1963.
Charles’ visit coincides with a period of increasing demand from former colonies for Britain to acknowledge its colonial abuses. Some, like Barbados and Jamaica, have reevaluated their ties to the monarchy. While still the heir to the throne, Charles surprised many at last year’s Commonwealth summit by recognizing slavery’s role in the organization’s roots.
Numerous citizens of former British colonies, including leaders of Kenya’s Nandi people, are urging Charles to go further by offering a direct apology and endorsing reparations for colonial-era abuses, which included torture, killings, and widespread land expropriation, much of which remains under British ownership.
Buckingham Palace stated that the purpose of this visit is to “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).
His Majesty will take time to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered during this period by the people of Kenya.”
However, on a light mode, a video clip depicted the incident when an officer stumbled and lost their balance right outside the state house as the King was departing from the location.
The female officer, who was walking briskly, had a sudden trip only a short distance away from His Majesty, who was engaged in a conversation with the Kenyan leader.
This momentary mishap momentarily surprised both leaders, but the officer swiftly regained her footing and rushed to open the car door for Her Majesty.
By xamse
October 31, 2023
