ADDRESS THE PAST BUT LOOK TO THE FUTURE AS RAPTUROUS WELCOME AFFIRMS STRONG BONDS
The King and Queen received a rapturous welcome in Kenya last week during a fourday state visit – His Majesty’s first to a Commonwealth country since becoming monarch last year. hello! joined the royal couple, who were greeted by cheering locals in Nairobi and Mombasa, as they undertook a packed schedule of official engagements that demonstrated the close bond between Kenya and the UK.
After a ceremonial welcome at State House in Nairobi from President William Ruto and his wife Rachel, highlights of their trip included visits to an elephant orphanage, a donkey sanctuary and beach conservation projects, plus a glittering state banquet.
Along the way they met schoolchildren, Second World War veterans, religious leaders, young entrepreneurs and Kenyan marines.
The King told how Kenya holds a special place in his family’s heart: not only was Elizabeth II on tour there in 1952 when she “arrived a Princess and left a Queen”, but Prince William chose it as the location to propose to Kate Middleton in 2010.
His Majesty also recognised the uncomfortable colonial history between Britain and Kenya, which saw “abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence” committed against Kenyans as they fought for independence in the 1950s – something he said caused “the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret”.
Over these 16 pages, we bring you the best details and photos from the visit.
DAY ONE
In a moving speech, the King reaffirmed his family’s special connection to Kenya as he and the Queen began their state visit.
Their Majesties were guests of honour at a glittering banquet in the capital Nairobi, during which the monarch reminded people that it was in Kenya where the then Princess Elizabeth learnt she was Queen after the death of her father George VI. He also touched on its significance for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
“It is well known, I think, that my dear mother, the late Queen, had a particular affection for Kenya and the Kenyan people,” he said.
“She arrived here in 1952 as a Princess but lef
