Duke and Duchess head to Nepal for attestation parade and to offer veteran support

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are making their first visit to Nepal to celebrate the UK's close ties with the country.

The Royal couple will be attending the annual attestation parade in Pokhara, where the British Army will join young Nepali service personnel.

Edward and Sophie's visit will reinforce shared interests including youth opportunity, healthcare, equality for women and girls, and conservation and biodiversity.

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The Duke and Duchess will also see the work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which offers continued support to veterans and their families.

All Gurkhas are recruited from Nepal, with many thousands of young people attempting selection every year for only a few hundred job opportunities.

They are first trained as infanteers at Catterick and are then allocated to their regiments or corps as part of the Brigade of Gurkhas, often working within other organisations of the Army.

The royals will also meet people from across Nepal during their visit – including women's rights activists and young people undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

They will also engage with organisations providing vital healthcare services and support to survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.

The visit will conclude in Ghandruk, allowing them to experience some of the natural beauty and rich heritage of Nepal.

Previously, King Charles visited Nepal in 1998, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited in 1986.