Sarah and Prince Charles: A Shared Love of Daffodils
Through the lens and words of Kenyan photographer Mohamed 'Mo' Amin, learn more about how a six year old girl surprised a Prince and a President.
Daffodils for the Prince (1969) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
30 June 1969: Mo Amin's document
Little Sarah Kathega Ngiti, aged six, last night solved the problems of a Prince’s flower power. Flowers were flown to London last night for delivery to Buckingham Palace.
Sarah had been told by her mother at her Kitisuru home, near Nairobi, that there would be no daffodils for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in ancient Caernarvon Castle.
Daffodils for the Prince (1969) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
Fifty dozen blooms were supposed to have been sent during the weekend for the Investiture. But flower grower John Anderson had none. And nobody answered his SOS. John said, “There just weren’t any in Nairobi at all.”
Daffodils for the Prince (1969) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
Sarah picked the flowers and enclosed a little note in her own handwriting which said, “Dear Prince Charles, I heard about your troubles and I’m sending flowers for you for Tuesday for Wales. Love Sarah.”
Daffodils for the Prince (1969) by Mohamed AminMohamed Amin Foundation
Sarah's parents received a letter from President Kenyatta later that month. In it was a special thanks from The Prince of Wales.
The letter said, "I am asked by The Prince of Wales to thank you for your letter of 29th June and for sending on the daffodils from Miss Sarah Ngiti of Kitusuru. The daffodils have arrived safely and I have sent them on to Prince Charles, who has asked if you would send his thanks to Miss Ngiti for her very kind thought.
Yours sincerely, Jomo Kenyatta"
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.