Britain’s Prince Harry (C) waves after his arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 19, 2016. This is the royal’s first visit to the country and judging by the cheery wave and warm smile he gave to onlookers as he arrived in Kathmandu, Harry was on excellent form.
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According to the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Prince Harry will call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attend a reception to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa on Saturday.
The British army’s 2,500-strong Gurkha brigade is made up of soldiers recruited in Nepal and has been part of the army for 200 years.
“I know that I arrive in Nepal as you approach the first anniversary of the earthquakes that took so many lives”, he said.
“I want to show all those people around the world who want to help that this is a country open for business – so please come and visit again”.
He will also pay tribute to the efforts of Gurkha soldiers, who have fought alongside British troops, including Prince Harry when he served in Afghanistan.
He is particularly keen to see how the country’s rebuilding effort is progressing following the natural disaster and aftershocks in April a year ago which killed just under 9,000 people and damaged nearly a million houses and buildings.
Prince Harry has touched down in Nepal for the start of his four-day tour.
He will also interact with Gurkha families, enjoy rafting, watch sunrise over the Himalayas, and visit heritage sites and national parks.
“His visit is very important, and will send a positive message about Nepal to the world”, said Ram Hari Adhikari, general secretary of the UK Nepal Friendship Society.
I think, hopefully, by doing this trip it will shine a spotlight back on the issue, and people will realise that there’s still a hell of a lot needs to be done. “I look forward to exploring your landscapes, celebrating your culture, and I hope to make many new friends along the way”.
Harry said that Nepal “holds a special place in the imagination for so many people ” .
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During his stay in Nepal, the prince will meet President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, and go trekking in the Annapurna region.
