Royal visit: Prince Edward and Sophie tour Nepal

Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, have arrived in Nepal for their first-ever official visit, marking a six-day tour celebrating UK-Nepal relations. The Duchess arrived first in Kathmandu on Tuesday, with Prince Edward joining later after completing a visit to India.

The royal couple was welcomed by Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel and First Lady Sabita Poudel at the Sheetal Niwas (Presidential Palace), where they signed the guest book in front of a photograph of Mount Everest. Their itinerary includes attending the Attestation Parade for new Gurkha recruits in Pokhara, visiting Ghandruk village in the Annapurna region, and meeting organizations supporting survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.

Sophie, a strong advocate for women’s rights, will engage with activists promoting gender equality, while both royals will meet young participants of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program.