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Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward return to UK after sharing marriage update

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Presidential Palace in Nepal
GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 13/02/2025

- 20:21

Sophie and Prince Edward married in 1999 at Windsor Castle

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have returned to the UK following a six-day state visit to Nepal, celebrating close relations between the nation and the UK.

Upon her return, Sophie, 60, visited RAF Wittering in Peterborough today in her role as Honorary Air Commodore.


The duchess was wearing a familiar green tweed jacket she first donned in May 2022.

The duchess appeared delighted during her visit, meeting with members of the RAF Support Force and their children.

Duchess of Edinburgh

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have returned to the UK following a six-day state visit to Nepal, celebrating close relations between the nation and the UK

Getty

RAF Wittering serves as the main operating base and headquarters for the Royal Air Force Support Force and plays a crucial role in flying training.

The visit is the first engagement Sophie has undertaken since her return to the UK with Prince Edward following their six-day Nepal tour.

The visit reinforced long-standing UK-Nepal relations, following in the footsteps of King Charles's 1998 visit and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's trip in 1961.

During the tour, Prince Edward sweetly declared: "Because we're best friends" when asked about their enduring relationship, with Sophie nodding in agreement to the candid admission.

Duchess of Edinburgh

The visit is the first engagement Sophie has undertaken since her return to the UK with Prince Edward following their six-day Nepal tour

Getty

The duchess emphasised the importance of humour in their partnership, particularly during royal tours.

Sophie said: "Oh, there's always got to be humour. Especially when you're travelling and you've got no idea what's about to happen. You've got to laugh."

The royal couple spent their final day in the hill village of Ghandruk near Pokhara, where they visited the Gurung community centre and museum.

Sophie and Prince Edward, 60, were adorned with bright flower garlands during their visit to the centre, which maintains historic links to the British Army.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh

The royal couple spent their final day in the hill village of Ghandruk near Pokhara

Getty

The duchess, dressed in hiking attire, greeted community members in traditional style with joined hands while Edward, sporting a khaki puffer jacket and navy trousers, followed her lead.

The couple visited the Annapurna Conservation Area on Saturday, exploring a region less than 200 miles from Mount Everest.

The conservation area spans nearly 3,000 square miles near Nepal's border with Tibet and includes the Annapurna mountain, Earth's 10th highest peak at 26,545 feet.

Earlier in their visit, the Duke and Duchess attended a significant military ceremony in Pokhara, where 274 new Gurkha recruits swore allegiance to the Crown.