Kathmandu: The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, are scheduled to visit Nepal next month as part of their first international tour of 2025. According to the British Royal Family’s official website, the royal couple will arrive in Kathmandu on February 4 for a five-day state visit following Prince Edward’s stop in India, where he will attend an event in his capacity as chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.
A highlight of their visit will be their presence at the attestation parade for new Gurkha recruits at the British Gurkha Camp in Pokhara on February 7. During their time in Pokhara, they will meet with Gurkha recruits and their families. The Gurkhas, who have served in the British Army for over 200 years, are celebrated for their bravery and have been deployed in various countries, including Cyprus, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
The Duke and Duchess will also engage with high-level Nepali government officials and families of Gurkha veterans, inspect UK-funded development projects, and partake in activities showcasing Nepal’s natural beauty. Plans are underway for the couple to enjoy a mountain flight in the Everest region and trek in the Annapurna foothills, particularly around Ghandruk.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the visit, emphasizing the historical ties between the UK and Nepal. “Such high-level visits underscore the importance of the enduring relationship between the two nations,” a MoFA official stated. The detailed itinerary will be finalized in coordination with the British Embassy in Kathmandu.
This visit continues a legacy of royal engagement with Nepal. Prince Harry visited Nepal in 2016, while Prince Philip made a trip in 2000, reinforcing the longstanding bond between the British monarchy and the people of Nepal.