UK

Pomp and pageantry welcome King and Queen to Kenya

The King inspects troops on his state visit to Kenya (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)
The King inspects troops on his state visit to Kenya (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)
By Tony Jones, PA Court Correspondent in Nairobi, Kenya

The King and Queen were officially welcomed to Kenya with a display of military pomp and pageantry as their state visit began.

Charles and Camilla were warmly greeted by Kenya’s President William Ruto and his wife First Lady Rachel Ruto at the State House in Nairobi during the first full day of their tour.

Before the formalities began the foursome posed for a picture for the waiting press with the president’s official residence as a backdrop.

Royal visit to Kenya – Day One
Charles, Camilla and the President of Kenya, Dr William Ruto, ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony in Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi (Victoria Jones/PA)

The King later joined President Ruto on a dais, as a nearby Guard of Honour, formed in two rows, gave a royal salute and the Kenya Defence Force band played the UK and Kenyan national anthems followed by a 21-gun salute.

Charles inspected the troops, walking past the soldiers in their red tunics and peaked caps.

The King and Queen were invited by President Ruto for a five-day state visit, their first to a Commonwealth country, that will strengthen the UK’s relationship with Kenya through the “soft diplomacy” of the British royal family.

Kenya is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain and Charles later held a bilateral meeting with the Kenyan statesman while Camilla had separate talks with Mrs Ruto.

Later, a state banquet will be held in the King and Queen’s honour where Charles will give a speech to guests who will include prominent Kenyans and figures from the UK.