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King Charles III‘s trip to Kenya was supposed to mark a big shift in relations between the U.K. and Kenya after an ugly history of colonialism. Many critics were hoping to see an apology from the royal, but his speech was more of an acknowledgment of the atrocities versus an all-out “I’m sorry” to the country.
That faux pas didn’t exactly set Charles and Camilla up for success for the rest of their tour — and it doesn’t look like they are having a great time either. Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, observed to GB News that Charles “doesn’t look as if he’s enjoying the job” because “King Charles is not a natural diplomat or politician.” That’s a harsh, but possibly fair, assessment for the monarch who doesn’t generate the same level of affection as his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, but many of its citizens still feel the trauma from the 1952-1960 conflict. Charles didn’t seem to worry too much about the feelings of the country he is visiting, and many Kenyans are taking note that the couple looks like they would rather be anywhere in the world, but Kenya, right now. “He never liked going to Africa: he was forced to go to Africa shortly before he became King, because he neglected the Commonwealth,” Bower added. “He liked going to India, but he avoided Africa because just didn’t find it culturally that interesting, whereas he was very interested in the culture of India.”
With Charles taking the throne in a much later decade than his mother, his age is apparently adding to his discomfort. “And the real truth is, Camilla doesn’t like traveling long distances. I think he does find it very difficult now; It doesn’t look as if he’s enjoying the job, having waited so long for it,” Bower summed up. “But in the end the Commonwealth will fall apart unless he works hard at it.” It’s just so hard to be king.
Before you go, click here to see all the best pictures from King Charles III’s coronation.
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