Prince Edward jets off on solo royal tour as Sophie steps up for King Charles at Buckingham Palace

Prince Edward jets off on solo royal tour as Sophie steps up for King Charles at Buckingham Palace

Watch: President Museveni meets with the Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to Uganda

GB News
Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 20/03/2024

- 13:22

Edward is on a three-day visit to Uganda with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award

  • Sophie stayed in the UK to hold a reception at Buckingham Palace with Princess Anne
  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been presented in Uganda since 1995
  • Have your say: Do you think the Duchess of Edinburgh should take on a more prominent role in the absence of other senior royals? Just click the comment button above now

Prince Edward has jetted off on a royal tour on his own this week as Sophie stepped up for King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh is on a three-day visit to Uganda in East Africa as his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, continues royal duties in the UK.


Edward is visiting with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award where he will visit schools and education centres to see the impact of the award.

It comes as Sophie hosted a Buckingham Palace reception with Princess Anne on Tuesday.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh

Prince Edward is visiting Uganda while Sophie stays in the UK

Getty

The Princess Royal and Sophie welcomed Korean war veterans to the palace to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War.

This week the prince met with President Museveni at the State House Entebbe who posted a message about the duke’s award on social media.

He said: “The social linkages leading to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which he is here to see, are a commendable show of discipline and deep care for humanity, a cause I have accepted to patron, as per His Royal Highness’ request. I welcome him.”

The president also wished King Charles a speedy recovery after learning about the King’s cancer diagnosis during his meeting with the prince.

\u200bPresident Museveni and Prince Edward

President Museveni with Prince Edward at State House Entebbe

X/ @StateHouseUg

A post by the Official State House Uganda Twitter page read: “President Museveni with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh at State House Entebbe this evening. H.E extended his heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to King Charles III upon learning of his health status from Prince Edward during the meeting.”

Later in the day, the prince met with people and stakeholders related to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The duke’s visit is expected to promote the effects of non-formal education on young people.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is made up of a series of projects and activities to empower young people by teaching them new skills, how to build confidence and resilience and how to overcome obstacles.

Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh

Princess Anne and the duchess held a reception for Korean War Veterans

PA

The international version of the award operates in 129 countries and territories to reach more young people from diverse backgrounds.

Currently, more than a million young people are doing the Award around the world.

The award was set up in Uganda in 1995 and is awarded to more than 6,000 young people across the country.

The duke is also expected to meet with young people in climate awareness, women’s empowerment and information technology.

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Prince Edward

Prince Edward is on a three-day visit to Uganda

Getty

Finally, he will attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award’s Africa Regional Conference.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award was launched in the UK in 1956 by Prince Philip and was described by Philip “as a ‘do-it-yourself’ growing up kit.”

In March 2023, King Charles granted Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh title on his 59th birthday.

However, the prince was a passionate supporter of the Awards for decades and has been a Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards since 1988.

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