• Says he will do whatever possible to shine a spotlight on the resolve and resilience of the Nepali people to the world

Kathmandu, March 19

British Royal Prince Harry, who arrived here today for a five-day official visit, paid his respects to those who perished in the earthquake last year, saying he would do whatever possible to shine a spotlight on the resolve and resilience of the Nepali people.

“I want to show all those people around the world who want to help that this is a country open for business. So please visit again,” he said while addressing a reception of the Government of Nepal hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa at Hotel Yak and Yeti here today

He is scheduled to meet those affected by the two devastating earthquakes to learn about efforts being made to restore buildings of historic significance and to assist in disaster preparedness.

During the function, he said he grew up seeing beautiful images of Nepal in books and on television. “Nepal holds a special place in the imagination for so many people around the world,” he added.

Prince Harry is in Nepal to commemorate 200 years of bilateral relations between Nepal and the UK.

Remembering his father and mother’s visit to Nepal, he said Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary brought Nepal to the attention of the world when the news of their summiting of Everest broke on the morning of his grandmother’s coronation as queen.

Prince Harry said he was grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to Nepal’s most famous ambassadors, the Gurkhas, who are “admired the world over not only for their fearless bravery and courage but also for their humility and kindness.”

Prince Harry will be staying at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza in the Capital.

During his meeting with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli today, Prince Harry discussed various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries and appreciated the Gurkha soldiers in the British Army. He is scheduled to meet President Bidhya Devi Bhandari tomorrow.

On March 21, Prince Harry will travel to Bardiya National Park and Banke National Park. He will go rafting on the Khauraha River and view tiger camera traps in the jungle. Later that day, Prince Harry will travel to Pokhara, where he will trek in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The British Royal, who had worked with Gurkha soldiers in Afghanistan, will also visit the British Gurkha Camp in Pokhara, where he will commend the bravery and service to the Crown of an exceptional group of soldiers.

The trek will end in a remote hamlet in the hills where Prince Harry will enjoy a cultural show organised by local people before watching the sun set over the Himalayas. He will spend the rest of the evening at a Gurkha homestay, where he will sleep.

On March 22, Prince Harry will watch the sunrise over the Himalayas before trekking to a local secondary school.