The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Nepal
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, have concluded a six-day journey to Nepal, marking their first official visit to the country. The tour celebrated the deep-rooted relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal, focusing on shared values such as empowering young people, improving healthcare, advancing gender equality, and protecting the environment.
The royal couple received a warm and gracious welcome from Nepal’s President, Ram Chandra Paudel, at the Presidential Palace in Kathmandu. Their visit was packed with meaningful engagements that highlighted their personal passions and the longstanding connections between the two nations.
One of the key moments of the visit was Prince Edward’s participation in a Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Award Ceremony, a nod to the legacy of his late father, Prince Philip. He presented the first-ever Operator Licence to the organisation delivering the Awards in Nepal, underscoring the program’s vital role in helping young people find their purpose and aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh focused on women’s health and rights. She visited the Maternity Wing at Bhaktapur Hospital, where she engaged with healthcare workers, new mothers, and volunteers, learning about the improvements in maternal and newborn care, supported in part by UK aid. Her visit to Maiti Nepal, a sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence, showcased her unwavering commitment to justice and rehabilitation efforts.
The couple also demonstrated their passion for environmental conservation during their time at the Godawari National Botanic Garden. Here, they planted a magnolia tree alongside those planted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their visit in 1986. Their tour of the ‘Living Mountain Lab’ at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development provided insights into how communities are tackling the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas.
In Pokhara, the Duke and Duchess honored the cherished Gurkha legacy. They visited the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s Area Welfare Centre, meeting with veterans and widows, and attended the Recruit Intake 2025 Attestation Parade, where 275 new recruits pledged their allegiance to King Charles. In a poignant moment, Prince Edward reminded the recruits, “Always remember who you are—a soldier in the British Army, but most importantly, a son of Nepal. Be proud of both.”
The visit concluded with a trek to the picturesque village of Ghandruk, a place steeped in Gurkha heritage. The couple was greeted with vibrant traditional music and dance, explored the Gurung Community Centre and Museum, and connected with local residents, further deepening their appreciation for Nepal’s rich culture and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Throughout their visit, Prince Edward and Sophie embodied warmth, dedication, and sincerity, leaving a lasting impression on the people they met and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Nepal and the United Kingdom.
