King Charles and Queen Camilla's State Visit to Kenya

King Charles and Queen Camilla land in Kenya

King Charles and Queen Camilla landed in Kenya on Tuesday, October 31, marking their inaugural visit to a Commonwealth nation since the beginning of King Charles reign. They were accorded a formal reception and met at the State House in Nairobi by President Dr. William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya. In accordance with royal traditions, the monarchs were honoured with a ceremonial salute and engaged in bilateral discussions with the President and the First Lady.

A representative for the UK government has stated the visit as immensely significant for the advancement of UK-Kenya relations. Accompanying the delegation is the UK's Secretary of State, James Cleverly, among other distinguished members.

Shortly after their arrival, the King engaged in discussions with the Kenyan President, whereas the Queen convened with the First Lady to gain insights into her initiative, 'MaMa Doing Good', which is dedicated to environmental and climate efforts and the economic upliftment of women.

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31st October

On Tuesday, Their Majesties paid their respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens. During their visit, they also took a moment at the historic Mugomo fig tree—the site where the Union Jack was lowered and the Kenyan flag hoisted in December 1963, signifying Kenya's transition to a republic. Additionally, they toured a newly established museum that chronicles Kenya's history, where they had the honour of unveiling a commemorative plaque.

November 1st

On November 1st, the King and Queen paid a visit to a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Nairobi, where they joined British and Kenyan military members in a solemn act of remembrance. During his encounter with 117-year-old WW2 veteran Corporal Samwel Nthigai Mburia, the King was heard expressing admiration, remarking, “You're amazing. You set us a fantastic example.”

November 2nd

On November 2nd, the King and Queen made their appearance in Mombasa, marking the second leg of their state visit. The royal couple began their third day at the Mtongwe Naval Base, observing a military training exercise conducted by the Kenya Marines. In a delightful nod to personal history, Camilla accessorised with a sentimental touch, donning the earrings she wore for her civil wedding ceremony with Charles in 2005.

November 3rd

On Friday, Nov. 3, the last day in Kenya, Queen Camilla travelled to the Situation Room, a group dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and gender based violence. The Queen met staff and volunteers, and privately connected with survivors. Camilla has long made supporting victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse a key priority of her public work, and she shared a dance with staff and volunteers during her last solo engagement in Kenya.

King Charles dedicated his final solo engagements to a cause dear to him: fostering interfaith understanding. The King participated in an interfaith gathering at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral and subsequently visited the Mandhry Mosque, where he engaged in further conversations about interfaith dialogue.