Prince Harry Celebrates 200 Years of British-Nepalese Relations

At the Nepalese Embassy in London on Monday, Prince Harry was present for celebrations  held to conclude a year of festivities to mark 200 years of relations between the United Kingdom and Nepal.

He watched cultural dance performances, including one given by Gurkha soldiers, alongside the Nepalese Ambassador to the UK, Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, before giving a speech in which Harry spoke of his personal dealings with the country and its people, particularly the Gurkhas, with whom he served in Afghanistan.

“During my time in Nepal, I was able to visit some of the communities from which the Gurkhas are drawn; I now better understand what has shaped the character of this extraordinary group of men, borne out of the values which the people of Nepal hold so dear…I draw a great deal of pride and joy from my association with the Gurkhas. Your courage, selfless dedication and professionalism are legendary; but your warmth and hospitality in welcoming me as a fellow soldier and friend means a great deal to me personally,” the Prince said in his speech, also talking of the beauty of the Nepalese landscape.

Afterwards, Prince Harry unveiled a series of photographs of the 13 Gurkha soldiers, to date, who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. During the reception he was able to spend time with a number of soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles regiment he served with in Afghanistan.  Among them were Hari Budha Magar and Vinod Budhathoki, who are both double amputees and have competed in the Invictus Games.

The Prince visited Nepal in March 2016.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Ambassador, Anniversary, Bilateral Relations, Nepal, Prince Harry of Wales.