King Charles chats cheerfully with Idris Elba who DJed at Prince Harry’s wedding and Meghan’s one-time Vogue pal Edward Enninful at reception for African business leaders
King Charles, 74, looked on in good spirits today as he met African business leaders to learn about youth opportunities and entrepreneurship in Africa, ahead of his visit to the continent.
He beamed with joy as he greeted Idris Elba and other high-profile guests at Chapel Barracks in London, including Kenyan businessman James Mwangi and editor-in-chief of British Vogue Edward Enninful.
Luther star Idris is a friend of Prince Harry, the king’s estranged son, and turned on his wedding to Meghan Markle.
Edward Enninful also has ties to the couple and worked closely with Meghan during her 2019 Vogue guest appearance.
He has since said the British monarchy “isn’t perfect” but King Charles can “evolve with the times” and praised him as charming, “funny” and “kind”.
He beamed with joy as he greeted Idris Elba at the event at Garrison Chapel, Chapel Barracks
King Charles was seen in good spirits today as he attended an elite reception for African business leaders in London (Photo: King Charles stands by a statue of himself as he welcomes guests to the reception)
His Majesty met with the continent’s business leaders to learn about youth and entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa, ahead of his upcoming visit to Kenya.
For the event, he donned a sharp navy blue pinstripe suit and opted for an elegant pink and blue tie and a matching silk pocket square.
The king also wore a crisp white shirt and completed the look with his signature, perfectly coiffed comb.
Idris Elba, who is friends with the king’s estranged son Prince Harry, looked cheerful as the pair appeared engrossed in lively conversations.
With a cheerful smile, he continued his way around the room, making sure he could speak to everyone present.
King Charles also met with British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful (pictured)
The engagement takes place ahead of King Charles’ state visit to Kenya with Queen Camilla from October 31 to November 3.
The trip will undoubtedly bring back memories of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, as she became queen there at the age of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI, in February 1952.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: ‘It will be a poignant moment. It will inevitably be a reminder of his young mother at the beginning of her reign. Now he is at the beginning of his career, but he also has the advantage of experience.
‘It will also be an important sign for his government, underlining how important he considers the Commonwealth.
His Majesty met with the continent’s business leaders to learn about youth opportunities and entrepreneurship in Africa ahead of his upcoming visit to Kenya (Photo: The King shakes hands with Kenyan businessman James Mwangi)
For the event, he wore a sharp navy blue pinstripe suit and opted for an elegant pink and blue tie and a matching silk pocket square.
‘His Majesty wants to bring people together. He knows that the relationship between the Royal Family and the wealthy and other Commonwealth countries will change, but is keen to preserve and protect shared values.”
Kenya occupies a unique place in royal history as the then Princess Elizabeth was there on an official visit with Prince Philip when she learned of her father’s death in the early hours of February 6, 1952 and her ascension to the throne.
The royal couple had landed in Nairobi less than a week earlier to embark on a world tour on behalf of the ailing king. Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Sagana Lodge, a bungalow given as a wedding gift by the Kenyan government.
They then continued to the Treetops hotel in Aberdare National Park. The late monarch entered a treehouse among the branches of a giant mgumu fig tree as a princess and came down as a queen.
The hotel was later destroyed by the Mau Mau and rebuilt. The area also houses memories of the king, who visited Kenya four times.