Queen Camilla dances with volunteers and staff from Sauti Ya Wanawake at the Situation Room on November 3 in Mombasa, Kenya.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Hello from Kenya!King CharlesandQueen Camillaspent the week in the African country at the invitation of Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto, and they packed a busy royal schedule of stops into four days in Nairobi and Mombasa.The state visit, which ran from Tuesday to Friday, was timed to the 60th anniversary of Kenya’s independence this year. The couple’s first trip to a Commonwealth country since King Charles’ accession upon the death ofQueen Elizabethin September 2022 was not without controversy, however. Protestors gathered on Mau Mau Road (named after a group that fought against colonial rule) in Nairobi on Monday, and the Kingstopped shortof an apology for past wrongdoings on behalf of the crown at the state banquet on Tuesday.“In coming back to Kenya, it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs, and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected,” he said in the speech.As the state visit has officially come to a close, look back at some of the best pictures from their trip.
Hello from Kenya!King CharlesandQueen Camillaspent the week in the African country at the invitation of Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto, and they packed a busy royal schedule of stops into four days in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The state visit, which ran from Tuesday to Friday, was timed to the 60th anniversary of Kenya’s independence this year. The couple’s first trip to a Commonwealth country since King Charles’ accession upon the death ofQueen Elizabethin September 2022 was not without controversy, however. Protestors gathered on Mau Mau Road (named after a group that fought against colonial rule) in Nairobi on Monday, and the Kingstopped shortof an apology for past wrongdoings on behalf of the crown at the state banquet on Tuesday.
“In coming back to Kenya, it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs, and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected,” he said in the speech.
As the state visit has officially come to a close, look back at some of the best pictures from their trip.
01of 18King Charles and Queen CamillaQueen Camilla, King Charles, President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, and the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto during the ceremonial welcome on October 31.Chris Jackson/GettyThe King, 74, and Queen, 76, received a ceremonial welcome from President Dr. William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the State House in Nairobi on Oct. 31. Buckingham Palacesaidthe state visit would “celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.”
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King Charles and Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla, King Charles, President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, and the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto during the ceremonial welcome on October 31.Chris Jackson/Getty
The King, 74, and Queen, 76, received a ceremonial welcome from President Dr. William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the State House in Nairobi on Oct. 31. Buckingham Palacesaidthe state visit would “celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.”
02of 18King CharlesKing Charles lays a wreath at a ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens on October 31.Victoria Jones/Pool/GettyThe couple toured a new museum on Kenyan history before King Charles and President Ruto laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in the Uhuru Gardens.The royals and the Rutos then viewed the Mũgomo Tree at the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963. Theroyal family websitereported that the tree was planted in the same place the Union Jack flag once flew on the country’s first Independence Day celebration, whichPrince Philipattended.
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King Charles
King Charles lays a wreath at a ceremony at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens on October 31.Victoria Jones/Pool/Getty
Victoria Jones/Pool/Getty
The couple toured a new museum on Kenyan history before King Charles and President Ruto laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in the Uhuru Gardens.
The royals and the Rutos then viewed the Mũgomo Tree at the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963. Theroyal family websitereported that the tree was planted in the same place the Union Jack flag once flew on the country’s first Independence Day celebration, whichPrince Philipattended.
03of 18King CharlesKing Charles waters and plants a tree with President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto on October 31.Arthur Edwards/Pool/GettyKnown for his lifelong love of conservation, gardening and the great outdoors, the King also helped plant a new tree with President Ruto.
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King Charles waters and plants a tree with President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto on October 31.Arthur Edwards/Pool/Getty
Arthur Edwards/Pool/Getty
Known for his lifelong love of conservation, gardening and the great outdoors, the King also helped plant a new tree with President Ruto.
04of 18King CharlesKing Charles meets young people during his visit to Eastlands Library with Queen Camilla on October 31.Chris Jackson/GettyKing Charles and Queen Camilla split up at Eastlands Library, where the King met young people participating in Prince’s Trust International Enterprise Challenge. The initiative comes from the King’s youth-focused charity which has helped over one million young people find work — and their way — since its establishment in 1976.
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King Charles meets young people during his visit to Eastlands Library with Queen Camilla on October 31.Chris Jackson/Getty
King Charles and Queen Camilla split up at Eastlands Library, where the King met young people participating in Prince’s Trust International Enterprise Challenge. The initiative comes from the King’s youth-focused charity which has helped over one million young people find work — and their way — since its establishment in 1976.
05of 18Queen CamillaQueen Camilla reads during her visit to Eastlands Library with King Charles on October 31.Chris Jackson/GettyMeanwhile,book-lovingQueen Camilla was also in her element and read a story to children at the library. There, she met the founders of Book Bunk, a local charity that aims to make public libraries “Palaces for the People,” Royal.UK said.
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Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla reads during her visit to Eastlands Library with King Charles on October 31.Chris Jackson/Getty
Meanwhile,book-lovingQueen Camilla was also in her element and read a story to children at the library. There, she met the founders of Book Bunk, a local charity that aims to make public libraries “Palaces for the People,” Royal.UK said.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya enter State House for a State Banquet on October 31.Chris Jackson/Getty
TheBBCstates that 11,000 Mau Mau rebels and others were killed, but unofficial figures estimate that there were as many as 90,000 Kenyans executed, with more than 150,000 detained.
07of 18King CharlesKing Charles speaks at the state banquet on October 31.Samir Hussein/WireImageIn the run-up to the trip, Buckingham Palace said the royal couple would “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the U.K. and Kenya’s shared history” and the Kingbroached the subjectduring his speech at the diplomatic dinner.“It is the intimacy of our shared history that has brought our people together. However, we must also acknowledge the most painful times of our long and complex relationship,” the sovereign said.“The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret,” he added. “There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged, as you said at the United Nations, a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty – and for that, there can be no excuse.”
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King Charles speaks at the state banquet on October 31.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
In the run-up to the trip, Buckingham Palace said the royal couple would “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the U.K. and Kenya’s shared history” and the Kingbroached the subjectduring his speech at the diplomatic dinner.
“It is the intimacy of our shared history that has brought our people together. However, we must also acknowledge the most painful times of our long and complex relationship,” the sovereign said.
“The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret,” he added. “There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged, as you said at the United Nations, a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty – and for that, there can be no excuse.”
08of 18King Charles and Queen CamillaBritain’s King Charles meets war veteran Samwel Nthigai Mburia at a Commonwealth War Graves Kariokor Cemetery in Nairobi on November 1.VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via GettyOn Nov. 1, the King and Queen visited aCommonwealth War Graves Commissioncemetery in Nairobi to joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of remembrance.During the Mau Mau period, many veterans who fought in World War II alongside the British disposed of their medals. The King presented four veterans with replacement campaign medals, including 117-year-old Corporal Samwel Nthigai Mburia.“You’re amazing. You set us a fantastic example,” the King was overheard saying as he met Mburia in a video the Royal Family shared onX.
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Britain’s King Charles meets war veteran Samwel Nthigai Mburia at a Commonwealth War Graves Kariokor Cemetery in Nairobi on November 1.VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty
VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty
On Nov. 1, the King and Queen visited aCommonwealth War Graves Commissioncemetery in Nairobi to joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of remembrance.
During the Mau Mau period, many veterans who fought in World War II alongside the British disposed of their medals. The King presented four veterans with replacement campaign medals, including 117-year-old Corporal Samwel Nthigai Mburia.
“You’re amazing. You set us a fantastic example,” the King was overheard saying as he met Mburia in a video the Royal Family shared onX.
09of 18Queen CamillaQueen Camilla receives a shuka at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals on November 01.Samir Hussein/WireImageWhile the King was at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Queen Camilla then made a solo visit to Brooke Animal Sanctuary to hear how the charity is working with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals to rescue donkeys, horses and mules at risk. Camilla is the president of the equine welfare charity and received a shuka.
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Queen Camilla receives a shuka at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals on November 01.Samir Hussein/WireImage
While the King was at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Queen Camilla then made a solo visit to Brooke Animal Sanctuary to hear how the charity is working with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals to rescue donkeys, horses and mules at risk. Camilla is the president of the equine welfare charity and received a shuka.
10of 18Queen CamillaQueen Camilla offers a pet during a clinic session at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals on November 1.Samir Hussein/WireImageThe stop wouldn’t be complete without a cuddle! The Queen offered a gentle pet during a clinic session with vets, farriers and handlers.
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Queen Camilla offers a pet during a clinic session at the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals on November 1.Samir Hussein/WireImage
The stop wouldn’t be complete without a cuddle! The Queen offered a gentle pet during a clinic session with vets, farriers and handlers.
11of 18King CharlesKing Charles walks with a government official and Wanjira Mathai in the the Karura urban forest on November 1.Pool - Phil Noble/GettyDuring his own solo stop on Wednesday, the King visited the Karura urban forest to highlight the crucial role of green spaces and forests in sustainable cities. He walked through the woods with Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Professor Wangari Maathai, who campaigned to save the forest and became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
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King Charles walks with a government official and Wanjira Mathai in the the Karura urban forest on November 1.Pool - Phil Noble/Getty
Pool - Phil Noble/Getty
During his own solo stop on Wednesday, the King visited the Karura urban forest to highlight the crucial role of green spaces and forests in sustainable cities. He walked through the woods with Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Professor Wangari Maathai, who campaigned to save the forest and became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles watch the Kenya Marines demonstrate a covert beach landing at Mtongwe Naval Base on November 2.Chris Jackson/Getty
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King Charles watches a military exercise at the Mtongwe Naval Base on November 2.Ian Vogler - Pool/Getty
Ian Vogler - Pool/Getty
15of 18King CharlesKing Charles chats with coral restoration team officer Katana Ngala Hinzano at Kuruwitu Marine Conservation Reserve on November 2.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImageThe environmentally-minded monarch took a stroll on Nyali Beach — suit and all! — to check out the results of a beach cleanup and see a turtle conservation site. He also heard more about the latest in marine conservation and coral restoration at the Kuruwitu Conservation Area.
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King Charles chats with coral restoration team officer Katana Ngala Hinzano at Kuruwitu Marine Conservation Reserve on November 2.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
The environmentally-minded monarch took a stroll on Nyali Beach — suit and all! — to check out the results of a beach cleanup and see a turtle conservation site. He also heard more about the latest in marine conservation and coral restoration at the Kuruwitu Conservation Area.
16of 18Queen CamillaQueen Camilla dances with volunteers and staff from Sauti Ya Wanawake at the Situation Room on November 3 in Mombasa.Chris Jackson/GettyOn Friday, Nov. 3 — the last day away — Queen Camilla traveled 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 haslong madesupporting 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.
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Queen Camilla dances with volunteers and staff from Sauti Ya Wanawake at the Situation Room on November 3 in Mombasa.Chris Jackson/Getty
On Friday, Nov. 3 — the last day away — Queen Camilla traveled 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 haslong madesupporting 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.
17of 18King CharlesKing Charles visits Mandhry Mosque in Mombasa County on November 3.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyKing Charles’ last solo stops were also for an interest close to heart: interfaith relations. The monarch attended an interfaith meeting at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral and later toured the Mandhry Mosque for further discussion on interfaith dialogue.
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King Charles visits Mandhry Mosque in Mombasa County on November 3.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty
Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty
King Charles’ last solo stops were also for an interest close to heart: interfaith relations. The monarch attended an interfaith meeting at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral and later toured the Mandhry Mosque for further discussion on interfaith dialogue.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles smile in an electric tuk-tuk at Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mombasa on November 3.Chris Jackson/Getty
source: people.com
