From an elephant, hippos to banana leaves-drawn portrait; here are 4 curious African leaders’ gifts to Queen Elizabeth II

Michael Eli Dokosi November 15, 2019
Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame after he arrived at Buckingham Palace for a private audience on March 8, 2010 in London, England. (March 7, 2010 - Source: WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe

In her 67 years on the throne as British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has embarked on many travels to African states and as Head of the Commonwealth – made up of 53 sovereign states including African countries – she has given and received thousands of gifts.

While some of these gifts are ordinary, others proved themselves to be colourful and damn right curious.

The sheer numbers of the gifts inspired an exhibition from July 22 through to October 1, 2017 at the Buckingham Palace called “Royal Gifts.”

According to Sally Goodsir, Exhibition Curator at the Royal Collection Trust, the objects displayed had been seen by the queen and approved.

Face2Face Africa looks at four curious or rather interesting gifts Queen Elizabeth II has received from African leaders and others from the African stock.

Last Edited by:Kent Mensah Updated: November 15, 2019

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