British Monarch King Charles III and Queen Camilla landed in Kenya with little fanfare as expected when world leaders visit
The two landed in Nairobi for their four-day visit to Kenya some minutes before 11 pm, Monday.
It was a quiet landing as the media were informed from a press statement that was shared.
The Royal Air Force carrying The King and The Queen touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as they were escorted to an unknown destination.
The monarch is expected to visit parts of Nairobi county and Mombasa before he returns.
But what exactly is a monarchy?
According to the Royal Website, Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.
In a monarchy, a king or queen is the Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy.
This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.
“As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history,” the website noted.
In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'.
The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.
This means his roles are quite different from those of historical kings and queens.
The King is known for his sense of duty and he has devoted his life to service.
He has become a figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during a challenging time for many people around the world.
In all these roles The Sovereign is supported by members of their immediate family.
What they will do in Kenya
During the visit, the King and Queen will meet President William Ruto and the First Lady and other members of the government, UN staff, 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 visit will acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).
The King will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.
Together, the King and Queen will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens and visit the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
