Kathmandu: Prince Harry will embark on his maiden trip to Nepal next week to further strengthen the bilateral relationship and meet people affected by last year’s devastating earthquakes.
Harry’s five-day trip starting from March 19 is aimed at supporting British interests in the region, according to a statement by the UK Embassy here.
The visit also aims to highlight the broad and deep relationship between the UK and Nepal, it said.
“2016 marks the bicentenary of bilateral relations between the two countries,” it said.
The visit is planned “taking into account Prince Harry’s personal request to meet Nepali people in a variety of environments and to experience as much of what is important to them as possible.”
“He has a huge amount of admiration for the resilience of the people of the country, particularly in response to the earthquakes last year. During the visit, he will learn how the country has been recovering over the last 12 months,” the statement said.
The 31-year-old royal will meet survivors of last April’s earthquake in the region, which claimed over 9,000 lives.
Having served alongside Gurkhas in Afghanistan, the prince will visit the British Gurkha Camp in Pokhara, where he will commend the bravery and service to the Crown of an “exceptional group of soldiers”, the statement said.
“Prince Harry will also have the opportunity to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty and highlight the importance of conservation-based tourism in Nepal,” it said.
Harry, the fifth-in-line to the British throne, will learn about Nepal’s future through its young people and both the challenges and opportunities they will experience in the years to come.
He will also call on the Nepali Prime Minister, K P Oli as well as President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Harry will also take part in a trek and visit a national park. The tour will begin and conclude in Kathmandu, where he will meet President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.