King Charles, 74, in an unexpected moment during his visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Nairobi, Kenya, had a close call as he nearly fell on some faux grass. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the monarch, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, 76, was strolling on a walkway covered with artificial greenery.
A video captured by the media shows the King stumbling, prompting a quick reaction from Queen Camilla, who extended her hand to prevent him from falling completely. After regaining his balance, King Charles, with his trademark composure, adjusted his sunglasses and continued walking.
The royal couple, currently on a five-day visit to Kenya, met with Kenyan war veterans who fought for the English during World War II. This visit marks King Charles’ first state visit to Kenya since the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022.
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While in Kenya, questions have arisen about the British monarchy’s historical involvement in the colonization of the country. During a state banquet hosted by President William Ruto, King Charles acknowledged the past injustices, stating, “There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty. And for that, there can be no excuse.â€
However, the visit has also sparked discussions about the royal family’s connections to slavery. Laura Trevelyan, a former BBC journalist, expressed hope that King Charles would issue a direct apology for the royal family’s historic links to slavery and make a meaningful financial gesture seen as reparative.
“I would hope very much that in the coming years, he can apologize for the royal family’s historic links to slavery and make a meaningful financial gesture that would be seen as reparative,†Trevelyan stated. “But what that figure is, I have no idea. There would be great healing power to an apology for slavery and some kind of reparative justice strategy from the king.â€
Despite the stumble, King Charles remains committed to his international duties. His next destination is the United Arab Emirates, where he will attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai. Buckingham Palace announced that the King will deliver the conference’s opening address, highlighting his ongoing dedication to environmental activism.
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