Tri-Service

In Pictures: Prince Harry On First Nepal Visit

WARNING: THIS REPORT CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE START

Prince Harry arrived in Nepal on Saturday afternoon, in his first visit to the country.

It comes at an important time, almost a year after the nation was hit by an earthquake that killed more than 8,000 people and left millions homeless.

In the past twelve months, Nepal has faced fuel blockades and struggled to rebuild and retain its tourist industry.

The Prince hopes his trip, which coincides with the bicentenary of relations between Britain and Nepal, will show the world that the country is open for business.

On arrival, the Royal attended an embassy reception and expressed his delight to be there.

Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari welcomed the Prince

Prince Harry said:

"I have grown up seeing beautiful images of Nepal in books and on television. I am sure you hear this all the time, but your country holds a special place in the imagination for so many people around the world."

He also admitted that the trip means a lot to him, and that he wanted to show his support to Nepal's Gurkhas, for their service and sacrifice.

He served alongside the 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles during his first tour of Afghanistan. The Prince said:

"For me, this trip is also personal. I am so grateful that I will have the opportunity to pay tribute to some of Nepal's most famous ambassadors, the Gurkhas, admired the world over for their fearsome bravery and courage but also for their humility and kindness."

Like his mother Diana, who visited in 1993, he's already shown great affection for the people of Nepal.

Followed by a frenzy of photographers and journalists everywhere he goes, he spent his first day touring Kathmandu, learning about the country's earthquake response.

He arrived at Patan Durbar Square, one of Kathmandu's main heritage sites, which was left badly damaged by the quake.

Adorned with garlands, he met those helping to rebuild the site and even tried his hand at some construction work himself.

Prince Harry tried his hand at restoring ornate wooden carvings

He was given a tour around Patan's Golden Temple by Anil Chitrakar, who told BFBS that the visit is a great opportunity to show the world what Nepal has to offer.

Prince Harry visited the Ancient Royal Palace and Golden Temple

With more than 20 media representatives covering the Prince's trip, he'll certainly spread his message far and wide.

His Royal Highness then spoke to members of the Nagbahal Community Centre, who told him about the aftermath of the earthquake.

800 people fled to the centre when their homes collapsed and the teams here provided food and shelter.

Rebuilding efforts are underway and people feel positive here, but outside of Kathmandu there's still lots to do.

The Prince was also taken to Bhaktapur, 40 minutes away, to see the site where aid supplies were distributed and he took a tour around an emergency camp, which is home to more than 250 people.

He was guided by one of its 15-year-old residents, who has been living there for the past 12 months.

Prince Harry with teenage guide Purushottam Suwal

They face at least another year living under canvas before they can rebuild their homes, and feelings about the country's response are mixed.

But you don't feel the frustrations among the crowds, who are cheering Prince Harry loud and clear.

The Prince took a detour to see more of the main square and was quickly surrounded by well-wishers eager for a photo and a glimpse of the action.

They don't get much time though as Prince Harry is touring Nepal at a rapid pace, visiting parts of the country it would take normal visitors weeks to tick off their list.

He's now left Kathmandu, and is heading to western Nepal ahead of his visit of the Gurkhas later this week.