King Charles and Queen Camilla to Acknowledge “Painful Aspects” of UK History on Visit to Kenya
King Charles and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to Kenya beginning later this month, Buckingham Palace announced today. And the Palace has also shared that part of the visit will be dedicated to acknowledging “painful aspects” of the UK and Kenya’s shared history.
Kenya was British colony from 1920 until its independence in 1963 - which the country is now celebrating 60 years of. Prior to gaining independence, a state of emergency was declared in Kenya from 1952 until 1960 during what was known as the Mau Mau uprising. This rebellion against colonial rule resulted in a crackdown in which thousands were killed and tortured. In 2013, the British government agreed to pay compensation totaling almost £20 million to victims.
Buckingham Palace made it clear today that the King will not shy away from addressing the past during his trip. “The visit will acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960),” the Palace said in a statement. “His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya. Together, Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visiting the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.”
However, officials were also keen to emphasize that both countries were keen for the trip to be an opportunity to look to the future and forge a “strong and dynamic partnership.” The fact that the country is where Queen Elizabeth was when she became Queen in 1952 will also be one of the themes. “During the visit, their Majesties will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as other members of the Kenyan Government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines,” King Charles’s Deputy Private Secretary Chris Fitzgerald told reporters today. “The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.”
A UK Senior Foreign Office official said that the state visit is an opportunity to promote the UK to the world and open up conversations. The official described Kenya as an anchor of stability and democracy in East Africa.
The significance of Kenya as a partner to the UK is evident in the fact that it has been selected ahead of commonwealth realms (countries where Charles is now King) as a destination for a visit from the King and Queen. Royal aides said today that visits to commonwealth realms could be expected in due course.
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