The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh heard about the climate challenges of Nepal on the third day of their trip to the Himalayan region.
Prince Edward and Sophie, both aged 60, recently arrived in the country for a six-day trip. During their visit to the National Botanic Garden in Godawari on Thursday, the couple displayed affection as they held hands.
Sophie looked radiant in a long white skirt adorned with a red floral pattern. She completed her stylish look with a chic white blazer.
The royal completed her outfit with chunky wedge shoes and she accessorised with designer sunglasses.
The couple held hands as they walked down a flight of stone stairs after visiting the site’s orchid house, with views over the Kathmandu Valley.
They planted a tree in a Nepali garden, next to two that were planted by Edwards parents, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 1986.
As they engaged in shoveling soil, Edward expressed, ‘That’s the best bit of exercise I’ve had for ages,’ to which Sophie responded with words of encouragement, ‘Keep going, darling.’
They then took turns watering the tree, with Sophie, who went second, saying: ‘This is going to make all the difference. May the tree grow.’
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh heard about the climate challenges of Nepal on the third day of their trip to the Himalayas region
The royal pair appeared in great spirits as they later visited the Integrated Mountain Development Living Mountain Lab, in Kathmandu.
The duchess expressed concern about the amount of waste left by climbers on Nepal’s most famous landmark Mount Everest.
Sophie asked if any of the money paid by people to climb the mountain was ‘being earmarked for dealing with some of the issues’.
As they toured the site the royals heard about the climate challenges facing Nepal and the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
ICIMOD scientists showed the couple how they are developing technologies for climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable land and water that can be applied in the region.
Sophie and Edward received a briefing from David Potter, ICIMOD’s Head of Regional and Global Affairs, on local communities’ main environmental challenges.
Later Sophie met a group of schoolchildren and enlisted their help to plant a new rhododendron.
The duchess asked them: ‘Will you come and visit my rhododendron? Will you help look after it?’
Sophie smiled as she chatted with members of the Queen Elizabeth II Gurkhas on a visit to the Gurkha Welfare Trust Welfare Centre
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh during a visit to the Gurkha Welfare Trust Welfare Centre, in Pokhara, to tour the Veterans Residential Home and meet elderly Gurkha veterans and widows
Prince Edward and Sophie, both 60, who arrived to the country on Tuesday, ready for a six-day trip, appeared loved up as they held hands during a visit to the National Botanic Garden in Godawari on Thursday
The royal pair appeared to be in great spirits as they toured around with the Royal Botanic Gardens
Sophie looked bright and breezy in a long white skirt which featured a red floral print and her stylish ensemble was paired with a chic white blazer
Sophie oozed glamour as she visited the National Botanic Garden in Godawari, Nepal
Sophie plants a rhododendron with school children as she visits the National Botanic Garden
Sophie met a group of schoolchildren and enlisted their help to plant a new rhododendron
Sophie met school children during the visit and they showed her their drawings
The royal pair appeared in great spirits as they later visited the Integrated Mountain Development Living Mountain Lab, in Kathmandu
The duchess expressed concern about the amount of waste left by climbers on Nepal’s most famous landmark Mount Everest
At the Orchid House, Edward launched a new botanic training scheme that will see young Nepalis trained in horticulture with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RGBE), of which the King is a patron.
RBGE has collaborated with Nepali botanists for over 25 years in biodiversity research, conservation and sustainable use of plant resources.
Sophie touched down in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu first on Tuesday – and her husband arrived a few hours later after wrapping up his four-day tour in India.
The Duchess looked typically elegant in a satin floral dress from Mary Katrantzou, embellished with teal and gold detailing, which she paired with nude Jimmy Choo heels and a Matelier vintage bag.
The stunning dress is one that she’s worn before – notably when she stepped in for King Charles last year at a reception for Korean War veterans, joining Princess Anne for a rare joint engagement as the monarch received his cancer treatment.
The Duke and Duchess were greeted by the President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, and signed the visitors book at the Presidential Palace in Maharajgunj.
The royal couple will travel to the village of Ghandruk during their first-ever trip to Nepal and will also attend the Attestation Parade for new Gurkha recruits at the British Gurkha Camp in the lakeside city of Pokhara.
The trip aims to reinforce the country’s shared interests including youth opportunity, healthcare, equality for women and girls, and conservation and biodiversity.
Prince Edward looked smart in a black blazer as he toured the National Botanic Garden
The royal couple were all smiles and appeared relaxed during an official visit to Nepal
Duchess of Edinburgh toured the National Botanic Garden during an official visit to Nepal
Sophie swept her blonde locks back into a chic bun and she donned a light palette of makeup
The royal was presented with a garland by Ash Kumari Tamang, a 104-year-old Gurkhan widow
The couple spoke o The King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers MVO, who have previously served under Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace
The couple appeared animated as they waved at the gathered crowds
Sophie made a Namaste gesture as the two were presented with beautiful orange garlands
The visit also marks young Nepali service personnel formally joining the British Army, and celebrates the long tradition of collaboration between the two nations.
The royal pair will meet organisations providing healthcare services and support to survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.
Edward and Sophie will meet young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, and women’s rights activists and those campaigning for a more equal and inclusive society.
Sophie is a champion of the UN’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and in October, during a trip to Malta, took part in a discussion with members of Malta’s police force and human rights directorate about supporting victims of human trafficking.
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.’
However the Duke and Duchess are not the first royals to visit the Himalayan nation as the now King Charles visited Nepal in 1998.
Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, travelled there in 1986. While they also visited Nepal in 1961.
