London — King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom have expressed their deep appreciation for the warm and enduring relationship with Kenya during a reception held at Buckingham Palace.
The reception, held for the vibrant Kenyan diaspora, served as a platform for King Charles III to affirm his commitment to nurturing future partnerships with Kenya as the royal couple prepares for their upcoming visit to the East African nation.
“We eagerly anticipate our visit to Kenya, which presents a unique opportunity to fortify our bond with this remarkable nation and explore new avenues of collaboration and friendship,” proclaimed the King.
The event welcomed Kenyans from diverse sectors, including business, media, charity, art, sports, government, and the military. Notably, representatives from organizations patronized by Their Majesties, operating within Kenya, were also present.
The evening was made even more remarkable with an enchanting musical performance by the celebrated Kenyan guitarist, Shama. Known for his ‘music with a message,’ Shama uses his art to address critical global issues such as climate change.
This imminent visit to Kenya holds significant importance, as it marks the first visit by King Charles III to a Commonwealth nation since ascending to the throne. It coincides with Kenya’s preparations to commemorate 60 years of independence, and King Charles III expressed his excitement at further strengthening the unbreakable bond between the two nations.
Strengthening Ties:
The visit will encompass explorations of Nairobi City County, Mombasa County, and the surrounding regions, with a particular focus on collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom in various areas. These include mutual prosperity, climate change mitigation, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and regional stability.
During their stay in Kenya, the royal couple will engage with President William Ruto, the First Lady, members of the Kenyan Government, and a diverse spectrum of individuals. This includes UN staff, business leaders, faith representatives, youth leaders, and Kenyan Marines who are jointly training with their counterparts from the UK Royal Marines.
Additionally, the visit will feature a special event dedicated to honoring the life and contributions of the late Nobel Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai, in collaboration with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Maathai.
The visit aims to underscore the deep and enduring connections between the British and Kenyan people, particularly in fields such as creative arts, technology, enterprise, education, and innovation. Furthermore, it will acknowledge the complex aspects of the shared history between the UK and Kenya, including the period of the Emergency (1952-1960).
King Charles III is expected to utilize this visit as an opportune moment to deepen his understanding of the challenges faced by the Kenyan people during this significant historical period. The royal couple’s visit is testament to the commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties and forge a brighter future together.
