The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were given a colourful send off from Nepal this morning, as they visited a village in Ghandruk.
Sophie and Edward walked to the Gurung community centre and museum in the hillside village, which has historic Gurkha links and is popular trekking spot due to its position on a hillside with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Brightly coloured garlands were draped over the duke and duchess’s necks as they walked past members of the village.
By the time they reached the museum they had over a dozen fresh flower garlands between them, brightening up the misty grey backdrop.
Scattered sunshine broke through the dense clouds occasionally, revealing glimpses of the beautiful snow-covered mountains behind.
They received a traditional welcome ceremony to the Gurung village, and were treated to music from a local band as they walked to the hub of the community.
Sophie and Edward opened the ceremony by lighting a traditional lamp, before they were presented several tokens of love, including traditional cultural costume of the Gurung community, a Bhangra for Edward and a Ghalek for Sophie that were placed over their clothes.
The Bhangra, a cloth that is wrapped around the body in a cross formation, is worn by Gurung men to help carry items such as food and tools.
Sophie was given a beautiful red velvet Ghalek with embroidered flowers, which is worn like a shawl from the shoulder to the opposite waist.
The Mayor of Ghandruk gave a speech to mark the visit, where he listed all of the members of the Royal Family who have visited Nepal in the past, including Diana, Princess of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry.
He also spoke of his hope that Ghandruk could be twinned with a town in the UK.
The end of the ceremony was marked by a dance by locals, performed to a famous song dating back generations, that is about expressing your feelings for someone you love.
The duke and duchess clapped along as the four dancers performed just metres in front of them.
They then went on a brief tour of the museum before posing for photos.
Villagers lined up along the road to wave them off, as they headed back to Pokhara before flying back to the UK later that day.
Following the Attestation Parade and visit to the Gurkha Welfare Trust residential home earlier on their six-day tour, their visit to Ghandruk completes the ‘full picture’ of the Gurkha relationship, from the recruitment process, to commitment to service, and to the lifetime of support to individual and communities in Nepal.
