The King of England visits Kenya to mark the country's independence anniversary, but faces the challenge of addressing Britain's colonial past.
A quarter of a century ago, I watched the Princess of Wales thread her way through a minefield in Angola. Her courageous stand earned her a public scolding from a government minister. When I asked her about it she defended herself, and then burst into tears. But by then the divorced Princess was set on asserting her new found independence..
The Mau Mau uprising was complex and the casualty figures are disputed. But it is undeniable that atrocities were carried out – by both sides –. Ten years ago, after a test case in the British courts, the Government paid £20m to 5,000 Kenyans by way of reparation. Now, though, there are calls for a commission of inquiry to go to every part of Kenya and document the colonial period in detail.
And perhaps we, the British public, have to consider precisely what we are willing to accept as our responsibility. Are we to blame for what happened 70 years ago? A century ago? Two centuries?
King England Kenya Diplomatic Mission Independence Colonial Past
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
History will complicate King Charles’s visit to KenyaYet the British monarch may also be able to heal some wounds
Read more »
King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off state visit to KenyaThe royal couple have flown to Nairobi on RAF Voyager
Read more »
The King and Queen of UK Begin State Visit to KenyaThe King and Queen of UK, Charles and Camilla, were officially welcomed to Kenya with military pomp and pageantry. They were greeted by Kenya's President William Ruto and his wife at the State House in Nairobi. The visit aims to strengthen the UK's relationship with Kenya.
Read more »
King Charles shows rare look inside luxury plane used for royal tripsKing Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Kenya for a five-day state visit
Read more »