King Charles III, Queen Camilla at State House

By Peter Ochieng 

Britain's King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla on Tuesday started their four-day state visit to Kenya, with a visit to State House, Nairobi.

Their Majesties' arrived at the 'House on the Hill' few minutes past 10:30am.

They were warmly received by president William Ruto, First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles up as CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, among others.

Kenya becomes the King's first country to visit outside Europe, since his coronation in May, 2023.

He took over from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II who died in September, 2023.

On arrival at State House, the head of the British monarchy inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which went in tandem with a 21-gun-salute.

The King and the Queen planted a commemorative tree each at State House, aided by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers, donning their traditional green jungle regalia.

President Ruto, First Lady William Ruto and their Majesties' than took photos at the footsteps of State House, before retreating inside for bilateral talks.

King Charles III and the Queen arrived in the country on Monday night, with Musalia Mudavadi, and British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan being among dignitaries who recieved the royal family at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.

Ambassador Wigan in a press statement said the visit will strengthen Kenya and UK's relations.

“Coming in the 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,” Ambassador Wigan said.

Mombasa, Nairobi and surrounding areas are the places they are expected to visit. A state banquet is set at State House on Tuesday evenning.