Ruto Holds Crucial Meeting With British Envoy Ahead Of King Charles III's Visit

President William Ruto on Monday, October 23 hosted British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, at State House as the state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla draws closer.

Wigan was in the company of his delegation team while Ruto was joined by Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi and his delegation team.

In a statement, the Kenyan Head of State hailed the upcoming visit as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom.

"Kenya is honoured that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have chosen our country for their first visit to a Commonwealth nation," stated Ruto in part.

President William Ruto meets British High Commissioner Neil Wigan on October 23, 2023. /PCS

"This choice is a testament to the depth of our relations and the mutually beneficial nature of our partnership.  The visit is a significant opportunity to enhance our collaboration in various areas of shared interest."

This is notably Ruto's first statement on the upcoming visit by the British royalty since the announcement of the state visit on Wednesday, October 11.

Mudavadi last week met the British High Commissioner and assured him of the country’s preparedness to host the British Royal couple. He was also briefed about the progress made in organizing the visit and the meticulous planning that has taken place.

Mudavadi assured Wigan of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of the Royal visit.

“Our nation is eagerly looking forward to warmly welcoming HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camila to Kenya. This visit not only reflects the strong historical ties between our countries but also presents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and explore areas of mutual interest,” stated the PCS.

The King and Queen will visit Nairobi and Mombasa Counties as well as surrounding areas during the visit scheduled to happen between Tuesday, October 31 and Friday, November 3.

"The visit is at the invitation of President Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence. His Majesty’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King is therefore to the country in which Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began, having acceded to the throne in Kenya in February 1952," stated the UK government in a press release sent to newsrooms.

"Their Majesties’ programme will reflect the ways in which Kenya and the United Kingdom are working together, notably to boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change, promote youth opportunity and employment, advance sustainable development and create a more stable and secure region."

Purpose of Visit

During the visit, the King and Queen will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as other members of the Kenyan Government, United Nations (UN) staff, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.

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.

"The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation," added the statement.

The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the State of Emergency (1952-1960). 

Furthermore, King Charles 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 visit the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose in royal regalia following their coronation on May 6, 2023. /THE ROYAL FAMILY