The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have begun their first-ever visit to Nepal, arriving separately in Kathmandu on Tuesday for a six-day royal tour celebrating UK-Nepal relations.
Prince Edward and Sophie, both 60, were welcomed by President Ram Chandra Paudel and his wife Sabita at the Presidential Palace in Maharajgunj.
The Duchess touched down first in Nepal’s capital, with her husband joining her hours later after completing a four-day tour of India.
Sophie showcased her signature elegant style in a £1,790 Mary Katrantzou ‘Airmail Dress Metallum Teal’, featuring architectural filigree and golden framework patterns inspired by 1950s wall sconces.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward pictured for the first time since travelling separately
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The Duchess previously wore the satin floral dress at a reception for Korean War veterans last year, where she stepped in for King Charles.
She completed her ensemble with nude Jimmy Choo ‘Rosalia 65’ patent leather pumps worth £675 and an indigo Matelier handbag costing £125.
During their visit to the Presidential Palace, the royal couple signed the guest book in front of a photograph of Mount Everest.
The moment sparked a lighthearted exchange, with Edward remarking: “That is rather special isn’t it,” while the Duchess quipped: “That’s as close as I’m going to get, sadly… this time.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh showcased her signature elegant style in a £1,790 dress
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Major General Gerald Strickland, Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas, presented the annual report on the military unit to President Paudel during the meeting.
The royal couple will attend the Attestation Parade for new Gurkha recruits at the British Gurkha Camp in Pokhara, marking young Nepali service personnel formally joining the British Army.
Their itinerary includes a visit to the village of Ghandruk, situated in the foothills with views of the Annapurna mountain range.
The parade celebrates the long-standing military collaboration between the UK and Nepal, highlighting the historic tradition of Gurkha service in the British Army.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward signed the visitors book at the Presidential Palace in Maharajgunj
PA
Before leaving Kathmandu, the Duke and Duchess will meet organisations providing healthcare and support to survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.
Sophie, a champion of the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda, will engage with women’s rights activists and those campaigning for equality and inclusion.
The couple will also meet young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme.
Buckingham Palace said: “The visit will celebrate the close ties between the UK and Nepal, and reinforce shared interests including youth opportunity, healthcare, equality for women and girls, and conservation and biodiversity.”
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The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward met President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel and his wife Sabita
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The visit follows a long history of British royal engagement with Nepal, including King Charles’s visit in 1998 when he was Prince of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made two notable visits to the Himalayan nation, travelling there in 1986 and 1961.
During their 1961 visit, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh watched a tiger shoot arranged by King Mahendra, though Philip was unable to participate due to an infected finger.
The most recent major royal visit was by Prince Harry in 2016.
