Recently, King Charles made his first visit to Kenya since his coronation in May 2023.
This visit was not without controversy due to England’s colonial past and Kenyans’ demand for a public apology.
Despite the controversy, the visit also had its highlights, such as King Charles’ stumble that nearly jeopardized the rest of his visit.
King Charles’ stumble in Kenya
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the African country on October 31 for their state visit.
They were received by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.
Shortly after their arrival, the King planted a tree in the gardens of the presidential palace.
On the second day of their visit, they visited a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemetery in the Kariokor area near the Kenyan capital. It was there that the incident occurred, which quickly spread through the media and social media.
Upon arrival, Charles III tripped on an artificial turf carpet and nearly fell to the ground.
Pictures show the king, dressed in a gray suit, momentarily losing his balance. Camilla reached out to support him and break his fall.
Charles quickly picked himself up and put on his sunglasses to continue walking.
👑 Momentary stumble! King Charles nearly takes a tumble on artificial grass during his visit to Kenya with Queen Camilla. pic.twitter.com/p589IThPnU
— Iris (@Iris_i_Life) November 1, 2023
Fortunately, it was just a scare and had no major consequences, which will become part of the anecdotes of this trip to a country that has a special meaning for the British monarchy.
It was in Kenya that Queen Elizabeth II became Queen, as she was on a trip when she learned of her father’s death.
It was also the country where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton.