The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh carried out a series of separate engagements across Nepal today during their second day of their six-day royal tour of the country.
The royals arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday where they 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.
Despite attending separate daytime engagements, the second day concluded with a joint appearance at an evening reception hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence, celebrating future partnerships between the two nations.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh carried out a series of separate engagements across Nepal today during their second day of their six-day royal tour of the country
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The Duchess of Edinburgh’s day began at Bhaktapur Hospital Maternity Wing, where she observed Nepal’s progress in maternal health and newborn care where Sophie told one new mother: “I want to hold them all.”
Her Royal Highness then visited Maiti Nepal, an organisation supporting survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking, where she met with founder Ms Anuradha Koirala.
Speaking to Koirala, Sophie said: “It’s so lovely, Do you know how many people have you helped over the years?”
During her visit to Maiti Nepal, the Duchess participated in focus groups with survivors and observed a life skills workshop, as well as visiting the Mother Teresa School.
Duke of Edinburgh visits Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur, Nepal
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The Duchess later joined prominent Nepali women leaders for lunch to discuss the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Nepal.
Her programme included a visit to Kirtipur Hospital to learn about the Ridley Eye Foundation’s work providing eyecare services in remote areas.
The Duke of Edinburgh began his day meeting with Mr Dev Raj Gimire, Chair of the International Award in Nepal, alongside the Nepali Minister of Youth and Sport and the Mayor of Lalitput.
His programme included interactions with young Nepalis, including Scouts, young offenders, students and those in care who are participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
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Duchess of Edinburgh arrived at Dwarika’s Hotel for a meeting with prominent Nepali women’s rights activists during an official visit to Nepal
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The Duke visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur to observe conservation efforts following the 2015 earthquake, witnessing how new artisans are preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage.
A highlight of his schedule was the presentation of Gold Awards to eighteen young Nepali participants in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme.
The Duke also made history by handing over the first-ever Operator License for the Awards in Nepal, after watching cultural performances and hearing from a Gold Award recipient.
The day concluded as the royal pair joined together at the British Ambassador’s Residence for a reception celebrating UK-Nepal partnership.