The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have touched down in Nepal for a six-day royal tour, celebrating the deep-rooted ties between the UK and the Himalayan nation. But this visit isn’t just about diplomacy, it coincides with a major milestone for young Nepali recruits formally joining the British Army, continuing a proud tradition that spans over two centuries.
A Warm Welcome in Kathmandu
Upon arrival, Prince Edward and Sophie were greeted with full ceremonial honours by Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel and First Lady Sabita Paudel at the presidential palace in Kathmandu.
Their tour will take them across Nepal, where they’ll witness the next generation of Gurkha soldiers taking their oath of allegiance, a moment steeped in history and pride.
The Gurkhas: A Legacy of Loyalty and Bravery
The couple’s visit will shine a spotlight on the Attestation Parade in Pokhara, where newly selected Gurkha recruits will officially join the Brigade of Gurkhas. Each year, thousands of young Nepali men compete for a coveted place in the British Army, undergoing one of the toughest selection processes in the world.
Once chosen, these soldiers train at Catterick, England, before being assigned to various regiments and corps, often working alongside wider British Army units. Their reputation for fearlessness and discipline has made them legendary figures in military history.
During the tour, Major General Gerald Strickland, the Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas, formally presented the Brigade’s annual report to the Nepalese president, a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Royal Support for Veterans, Youth, and Social Equality
Beyond the military focus, Edward and Sophie will meet members of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which continues to provide crucial support to veterans and their families.
Their itinerary also includes engagements with:
- Young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
- Women’s rights activists fighting for equality
- Campaigners working towards a more inclusive society
Before departing, the royal couple will visit organisations supporting survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence, underscoring their commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes.
A Royal Legacy in Nepal
This visit follows in the footsteps of previous royal tours, including:
- King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 1998
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1961, where they famously rode elephants to a tiger hunt arranged by King Mahendra
- Prince Harry’s 2016 visit, marking 200 years of Nepal-UK relations
Now, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are writing a new chapter in this historic relationship, celebrating Nepal’s next generation of Gurkha warriors and the shared values of honour, service, and partnership between the two nations.
