King Charles III and Queen Camila arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday night for a historic visit across the country.
The absence of any fanfare during the reception, however, drew the attention of many Kenyans hours after their arrival, as not a single photo was taken when Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi received the couple.
Upon inquiry, a source at the United Kingdom Embassy confirmed that no photos were taken during their arrival because it was an administrative visit.
“Their arrival last night was administrative not ceremonial so no photos until they start on their events,” the source explained to local media.
The King and Queen’s visit was notable for being the most low-key, as all other visits by Heads of State and other leaders are documented with photo opportunities.
According to a press statement issued later by the embassy, the official visit came on the backdrop of Kenya’s celebration of 60 years of independence and will spotlight the strong and dynamic partnership between the UK and Kenya.
“As Kenya prepares to mark 60 years of independence, I am delighted that Their Majesties have accepted the President’s invitation to make Kenya their first State Visit outside of Europe, and their first in the Commonwealth,” stated British High Commissioner Neil Wigan.
“Coming in year of His Majesty’s Coronation, this visit so early in The King’s reign demonstrates the value we place on the thriving and modern UK-Kenya partnership, which brings mutual benefits to our two nations and the wider region.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to meet a wide range of Kenyans, including conservationists, environmental activists, artists, entrepreneurs, veterans, the Kenya Wildlife Service, and schoolchildren.
At the Coast, Her Majesty will meet with survivors of gender-based violence, while His Majesty will meet with religious leaders who are working with UK-funded programmes to promote community cohesion.
The Royal Visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the United Kingdom and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency period (1952-1960).
During his visit, King Charles, on the other hand, will meet and listen to Kenyans who have experienced or whose loved ones have experienced the ills of this period firsthand.
