- King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Kenya
- They are there on a diplomatic trip
- The couple had a royal apology
The royal couple was welcomed by President Dr. William Ruto and First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto. Their visit marks the 60th anniversary of Kenya's independence, but it's not all celebrations. Charles is expected to address the "painful aspects" of British colonial rule, including the torture and violence against the Mau Mau rebels of the 1950s.
These kinds of trips are always tricky given the history of the British Empire. Despite the outcry from protestors and historians, Charles isn't expected to apologize. The trip was not without its critics.
Charles and Camilla had an agenda of unity
Accompanied by Queen Camilla on his first visit as monarch to a former colony, Charles arrived in the capital Nairobi overnight. On a rainy morning, he was welcomed to the Presidential Palace by a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour and, accompanied by President William Ruto, planted trees in the palace grounds. The royal couple then laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens, where Kenyan declared independence in December 1963.
Harvard University professor Caroline Elkins wrote in The Observer, "Firstly, King Charles III, you need to stop choking on those two words, 'I apologize.' Just cough them up." The couple's first day in Kenya was filled with official duties. They planted native trees, held bilateral meetings, and even took a moment to appreciate the work of the First Lady’s organization, Mama Doing Good, which focuses on environment and climate action and the economic empowerment of women.
The royals also visited the Uhuru Gardens and National Monument and Museum, where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and viewed the Mugomo Tree, the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
This was a big moment for King Charles III
At the Uhuru garden, Charles and Camilla acknowledged the statues of Mekatilili wa Menza and Dedan Kimathi, who fought for Kenyan independence. They also walked through the Tunnel of Martyrs, commemorating Kenyans who have lost their lives in conflict throughout the nation’s history.
During his last visit to Africa, Charles expressed his "personal sorrow" over the enduring impact of slavery. "Many of those wrongs belong to an earlier age with different and, in some ways, lesser values," he said. Later on Tuesday, Charles is expected to make a speech at a state dinner where he will address some of the painful consequences of British colonial rule.
In a time of great reckoning, many wondered how much the crown needs to look back in time. But, of course, on the other hand, many citizens of former British colonies, including leaders of Kenya's Nandi people, want the monarch to go further by directly apologizing and endorsing reparations for colonial-era abuses, including torture, killings and widespread expropriation of land, much of which remains in British hands.
Also interesting:
He missed it all...
Royal celebrations ahead!
King Charles' Birthday Preparations Kick Off - Find Out Who's in Line for a Majestic Invitation!
He's an active monarch
Nandi King Koitalel Arap Samoei led a decade-long rebellion until he was assassinated by a British colonel in 1905. In the ensuing years, the British confiscated most of his people's land and cattle.
Samoei's great-grandson Kipchoge Araap Chomu credited the British with contributions to Kenya like education and public health systems but said historical injustices must be remedied. "We have to demand public apology from the government of the British...," he told 'Reuters'. "After apologies, we also expect a reparation."
The latter is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Charles also plans to meet entrepreneurs from Kenya's bustling tech scene, tour wildlife facilities and travel to the southeastern port city of Mombasa. The rest of the royal trip is bound to have its many anecdotes before the end.
