Kenya: Locals Entertain Queen at Jubilee Pageant

Nairobi — Queen Elizabeth II played host to some Kenyan entertainment as she held a champagne reception at the Cultural Pavilion for charity donors before opening doors to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle on Sunday.

Upon entering the Cultural Pavilion, The Queen was met by sounds from Kenyan tribal musicians, including representatives from the Samburu, Turkana, Njemp, Kikuyu, Borana and Maasai tribes as well as the Kenya Tourist Board team.

KTB officials met the Queen in person and discussed Kenya’s part in the history of the British monarchy when the 25-year old Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya and received news of her father’s death and her subsequent ascension to the throne.

Members from Kenyan tribes were selected to perform in the 90-minute pageant show celebrating state visits to the six continents that she has visited during her reign.

Following her visit to the Cultural Pavilion, Her Majesty was entertained by the highly acclaimed Nairobi Chamber Chorus during the final of the jubilee pageant concerts.

The chorus caused a stir when they arrived into Heathrow Airport on 2nd May and broke into song in the arrivals hall.

Kenya became a part of the history of the British monarchy on 1st February, 1952, when the then Princess travelled to Kenya as part of a Commonwealth tour.

The trip would prove to mark a pivotal event in the Queen’s life, as five days after her arrival in Kenya the Princess received news of her father’s death and learnt of her ascension to the throne.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign over the UK and as head of the Commonwealth.