The Treetops Game Viewing Lodge in Kenya is a particularly special location for the Royal Family, as it represents the moment the late Queen Elizabeth learned of her father’s death.
An emotional yet pivotal time, in 1952, as it was the exact moment Princess Elizabeth became monarch. On February 6 that year Elizabeth went up a tree overlooking an elephant watering hole at the lodge.
But, by the time she came back down she was no longer a Princess and had become a Queen.
However a trip to Treetops will sadly no longer be possible for King Charles and Queen Camilla when they fly to the Commonwealth country tomorrow for a three-day official visit.
The hotel was burnt down in May 1954 during the Mau Mau uprisings, as it had been used by British soldiers as a lookout in the conflict.
A newer, larger hotel in Aberdare National Park was built to replace it, where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed in 1983, although sadly it has not reopened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Camilla replied to her husband: “Yes, it is. It’s really sad. One of the iconic places. It’s sad it’s gone.”
The King, pointing at the towering wooden structure, added: “It must have been quite exciting getting up there.”
The lodge had been a wedding present to Elizabeth and Philip from the people of Kenya, but in 1963 Her Late Majesty gifted it back to them to mark their independence from Britain.
Charles and Camilla will be travelling to East Africa on October 31, with the trip wrapping up on November 3.
The royals have been invited by President Ruto as the country prepares to mark 60 years of independence.
The couple will take in the capital Nairobi and coastal city Mombasa while in the country, and will attend a State Banquet at State House and a technical showcase with Kenyan entrepreneurs.
Camilla will carry out some solo engagements on the visit, to equine welfare charity Brooke and to meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Charles’s separate visits will include a meeting with faith leaders from Mombasa’s diverse community.
