The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, and Sophie, made a memorable visit to the picturesque village of Ghandruk in Nepal, marking the final day of their official tour of the country. Nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region, Ghandruk is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and its deep-rooted connections with the British Army’s Gurkha regiment.
The royal visit was met with great enthusiasm as villagers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, extended a heartfelt welcome with music, dance, and ceremonial rituals, underscoring the strong historical ties between Nepal and the United Kingdom. The royal couple arrived in Ghandruk after a trekking expedition in the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations. They spent the night in the village, experiencing firsthand the hospitality and cultural richness of the Gurung community.
Upon their arrival, they were greeted by colorfully dressed villagers who lined the stone-paved paths, carrying flowers and offering warm smiles. The villagers adorned Edward and Sophie with yellow garlands as they descended the steps leading to the village square, where a grand welcome ceremony awaited them. A floral arch with a sign reading, “Welcome to Ghandruk TRHs the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh,” stood prominently, symbolizing the community’s deep respect for their esteemed guests.
The welcome ceremony featured a traditional Nepali ritual in which the Duke and Duchess were presented with khadas ceremonial scarves that signify honor and respect by the principal of a local school. A band played traditional music, filling the air with a sense of festivity. As part of the cultural exchange, the royal couple was dressed in traditional Gurung attire.
Sophie donned a ghalek, a vibrant shawl worn across the body by women, while Edward wore the male equivalent, known as bhangra. This gesture was deeply appreciated by the locals, as it demonstrated the couple’s respect for Nepali customs.
In recognition of their visit, the Duke and Duchess were presented with framed pictures of the majestic Himalayan mountains, offered as “a token of love from the Annapurna municipal principality.” The event continued with a captivating performance of the traditional Gurung dance, performed by a local youth club.
The royal couple enthusiastically clapped along, further engaging with the community and embracing the joyous atmosphere. Among the distinguished attendees was Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Gurung, the most senior Nepali Gurkha officer, who hails from Ghandruk. His presence highlighted the enduring bond between Nepal and the United Kingdom through the Gurkha regiment.
Mayor Bishnu Bahadur KC addressed the gathering, emphasizing the historic and unwavering relationship between the two nations. In his speech, he highlighted the village’s longstanding association with the British Army since the initiation of Gurkha recruitment in 1815. “Ghandruk has maintained a historic connection with the United Kingdom for over two centuries since the British started Gurkha recruitment,” he stated. “Ghandruk is well known for breeding outstanding Gurkha soldiers. Ghandruk has produced the highest number of Gurkha majors in the British Army.”
Mayor KC also expressed his hopes for strengthening ties between Nepal and the UK through town twinning initiatives. “Your Royal Highnesses, your presence has graced our village and its people. This historic moment will go on our record books and will most certainly inspire future generations to visit and support Ghandruk,” he remarked. “I have learned that some towns in the United Kingdom have twinned with villages in Nepal. I am hopeful that one-day Ghandruk will be granted the royal permission to twin with one of the towns in the United Kingdom.” His words were met with applause from the gathered villagers, reflecting their appreciation for his vision.
Following the ceremony, the Duke and Duchess visited the Ghandruk Cultural Museum, where they gained insights into the unique traditions, customs, and daily life of the Gurung people. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, and household items that illustrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. The visit provided the royal couple with a deeper understanding of Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups and their historical significance.
As their visit concluded, a musical parade escorted the Duke and Duchess out of the village, with locals lining the pathways to bid them farewell. The convoy of Land Rovers awaited their departure, marking the end of a significant chapter in their tour of Nepal. Their visit to Ghandruk not only celebrated the historic bonds between Nepal and the United Kingdom but also brought global attention to the rich culture and tourism potential of this Himalayan village.
The royal visit to Ghandruk underscored the importance of cultural exchange and heritage preservation. It also highlighted Nepal’s immense potential as a destination for cultural and adventure tourism. The event left a lasting impact on both the royal couple and the residents of Ghandruk, strengthening the ties between the two nations and paving the way for future collaborations. The visit served as a testament to the enduring friendship between Nepal and the United Kingdom, a relationship deeply rooted in history and mutual respect.
