CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
Queen Camillawas without the ultimate royal accessory at her latest engagement: a tiara.
The Queen, 76, skipped a sparkling headpiece for the state banquet at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya, which capped the first full day of her state visit withKing Charles. Buckingham Palacesaidthat the royal couple would “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the U.K. and Kenya’s shared history” during the trip. The King, 74,used his speechat the diplomatic dinner to express “the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret” around the “wrongdoings of the past,” but hedid not directly apologizeon behalf of the crown as some protestors and historians demanded as the trip kicked off.
The state visit marks the King and Queen’s first trip to a Commonwealth country since his accession upon the death ofQueen Elizabethin September 2022, arranged at the invitation of Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto. The four-day stay is also timed to the 60th anniversary of Kenya’s independence, which is officially celebrated on December 12.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Rachel Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya enter State House for a State Banquet on October 31.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Looking back at the pastin his speechon stage, King Charles said, “It is the intimacy of our shared history that has brought our people together. However, we must also acknowledge the most painful times of our long and complex relationship.”
King Charles speaks in Kenya on October 31.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
“The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret,” he continued. “There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged, as you said at the United Nations, a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty — and for that, there can be no excuse.”
Queen Elizabeth at a state banquet in Kenya in 1983.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Queen Camilla’s fashion statement could be a sign of changing times, asQueen Elizabethwore theGirls of Great Britain and Ireland tiaraduring a state banquet during her state visit to Kenya withPrince Philipin 1983. Camillanotably worethe piece for the first time for a glamorous dinner at Mansion House earlier in October, making a splash in one of her late mother-in-law’s go-to tiaras.
While there’s often hype around when Queen Camilla orKate Middletonshimmer in tiaras for official events, they don’t always sport the sparklers. Camillawent withouta headpiece for the state banquet at Versailles during her mini-tour of France in September with Charles and likely did so to coordinate with first ladyBirgitte Macron.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, President of France Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron arrive at the Palace of Versailles ahead of the State Dinner on October 20.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
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The royal became the second queen consort in recent weeks to likely skip a sparkler for a night out for a sensitive reason. On Oct. 18,Queen Mathilde of Belgiumdidn’t wear a tiara to the state banquet honoring President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal during his official visit.
While tiaras are traditionally worn for white-tie affairs, Queen Mathilde made a more demure style statement in the wake of the tragedy.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the state banquet in honor of the president of Portugal on October 17.BENOIT DOPPAGNE/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
BENOIT DOPPAGNE/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
source: people.com
