King Charles III is reportedly preparing for a visit to Kenya later this year with the aim of bolstering the United Kingdom’s ties with the Commonwealth. However, this trip holds a significant emotional weight for the monarch, as it was in Kenya where his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, learned of her ascension to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. An insider revealed to the Mail on Sunday that the journey would be “poignant” for the King, evoking memories of his mother’s early reign. The source stated, “It will be a poignant moment. Inevitably it will be a reminder of his young mother at the start of her reign. Now, he is at the start of his, but he has the advantage of experience, too.”
The insider further emphasized the trip’s importance as a significant milestone in King Charles’s reign, highlighting his deep regard for the Commonwealth. They stated, “It will also be an important marker for his reign that will underline how importantly he views the Commonwealth. His Majesty wants to bring people together. He knows the relationship will change between the Royal Family and the realms and other Commonwealth countries but is keen to preserve and protect the common values.”
Another source close to the royal family added, “The plans are being put in place for the King to go to Kenya later this year. He wants to visit the Commonwealth.” King Charles’s initial official royal trip abroad as King was scheduled to be to France, but it was postponed at the last minute due to protests in the country. However, he did embark on a three-day visit to Germany with Queen Camilla at the end of March, visiting Berlin and Hamburg as planned.
Why does King Charles III want to visit Kenya?
The Times UK reports that the purpose of the upcoming visit to Kenya is to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and Kenya and to advance the goals of the Commonwealth.
This visit holds great significance, given Kenya’s rich history and strong cultural ties with the United Kingdom. King Charles III was merely three years old when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne while in Kenya. The King has previously visited Kenya on four occasions, but this upcoming trip marks his first official visit following the cancellation of his France tour.
During one of his earlier visits, while on safari in a forest clearing, King Charles grew a beard and has often expressed his fondness for the warm hospitality extended to him by the Kenyan people.
However, it is important to note that the King’s visit may face opposition from Kenyans who feel that the British government has not adequately addressed the legacy of imperialism in their country. Some Kenyans believe that issues such as land grievances and the repression of the Mau Mau uprising have not received proper attention from the British government.
Against this backdrop, the recent death of Mukami Kimathi, the widow of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, has brought these concerns to the forefront. During her funeral, the government pledged to address the welfare of freedom fighters and their descendants, many of whom lost their land. King Charles’s visit to Kenya is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the ties between the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, reflecting his commitment to deepening relationships within this diverse and influential network of nations.
Image Credit: Rob Pinney/Pool Photo via AP
