The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Nepal

Day One

At the start of their visit, The Duke and Duchess were welcomed to the country by His Excellency Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal, at the Presidential Palace.

Day Two

Engagements began in earnest with an event celebrating those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in Nepal. Founded by his late father, the award is a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world.

At a DofE International Gold Award Ceremony, His Royal Highness handed over an ‘Operator Licence’ for the organisation delivering the Awards in Nepal, which has been granted for the first time.

Meanwhile, The Duchess visited the Bhaktapur Hospital Maternity Wing where she met health workers, new mothers, and volunteers. Her Royal highness learnt about the progress being made in the field of maternal health and newborn care, some of which benefits from UK support.

At Maiti Nepal where survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence receive support, The Duchess spoke to survivors, staff and volunteers and learnt more about the extraordinary programmes they run, and their achievements in bringing offenders to justice and protecting women and girls.

Her Royal Highness went on to meet a small group of prominent Nepalese change-makers who represent different excluded groups and communities that engage in protecting and promoting women’s rights across Nepal. 

As Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), The Duchess of Edinburgh toured the Eye Hospital facilities at Kirtipur Eye Hospital, meeting patients attending an 'Eyecare Camp': the outreach scheme which works to solve the problems of cataract blindness by providing eyecare services to people living in high-altitude and remote areas of Nepal. 

In the evening, Their Royal Highnesses attended a reception focused on the achievements of young people, held at the UK Ambassador’s residence. 

Day Three

On Thursday, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited the Botanical Gardens at Godawari, where Their Royal Highnesses planted a magnolia tree beside a tree that was planted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1986.

Following this, The Duke and Duchess toured the ‘Living Mountain Lab’ at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, to see how experts are helping Nepal and the wider Himalaya adapt to the climate crisis. 

Their Royal Highnesses later travelled on to Pokhara to see how the UK – through different charities – provides support in Nepal to those who served in the British Army. 

At the Gurkha Welfare Trust Area Welfare Centre in Kaski, Their Royal Highnesses heard about the facilities and care at the Residential Home, including support and accommodation provided to former-Gurkhas and their families.

Day Four

On Friday, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh observed the Recruit Intake 2025 Attestation Parade. This marks the end of the highly competitive selection process, and the parade will include the recruits taking the oath of allegiance and handing over control of the parade from British Gurkhas Nepal to the Training Officer of Gurkha Training Company. 

This signifies the moment that the T/Rfn are officially under command 'in the Army’. The Duke and Duchess joined the medal presentations to existing service personnel and themselves presented ten medals each. 

Following the Attestation Parade, Their Royal Highnesses met some of the new intake of Gurkhas and their families to celebrate their achievements.

The parade recognises the proud, shared history of the 200+ year partnership between the UK and Nepal and the incredible service of Gurkhas in the British Army, as well as the opportunity it offers to young Nepalis.

Day Five

On the final day of their visit to Nepal, The Duke and Duchess visited areas around Phokara and the Annapurna Conservation area, concluding their visit in Ghandruk - a hill village near Pokhara with historic Gurkha links. 

Their Royal Highnesses walked to the Gurung community centre and museum in Ghandruk, where they received a traditional Welcome Ceremony and enjoyed a vibrant Gurung dance performed by a local youth club.