The Duke of Edinburgh flew to South Africa today for a two-day working trip as three senior members of the monarchy are unable to perform any royal duties.
The King’s youngest brother was welcomed to South Africa this morning by Ambassador Maud Dlomo, DPG.
Today the duke visited Pretoria and had a meeting with animal conservation groups to discuss how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.
Tomorrow the Duke of Edinburgh is set to travel to St Helena from January 23 to 26 to visit Jonathon the tortoise- the world’s oldest living animal.
Prince Edward visits South Africa.
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Jonathon, a beloved resident of St Helena, was thought to have hatched in 1832 making him 191 years old.
The prince will visit Jonathon on his four-day trip to the British overseas territory which sits in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Edward is the first member of the Royal Family to visit the island since the Princess Royal travelled there 22 years ago in 2002.
Governor Nigel Phillips said: “This promises to be a special occasion, with a public holiday allowing the entire community to join this opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the culture and environment of this remarkable island.”
A very warm welcome to HRH Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh, who arrived in 🇿🇦 this morning and was greeted by Ambassador Maud Dlomo, DDG @DIRCO_ZA. #RoyalsinSA #UKinSAWithSA pic.twitter.com/V3KkRyAOYi
— UK in South Africa🇬🇧🇿🇦 (@ukinsouthafrica) January 22, 2024
Jonathon is a giant Seychelles tortoise and is estimated to have lived through 40 U.S. presidents and 31 governors of Saint Helena.
The tortoise was born before the invention of the light bulb and the telephone!
Although his exact birthdate is unknown, he was fully grown when he was gifted to the island’s governor in 1882, making experts suggest he was 50 years old at that time.
The Duke and the Duchess of Edinburgh are currently carrying out royal duties as other working members of the Royal Family are ruled out due to medical reasons.
Did you know 🇿🇦 is rated the sixth most "megadiverse" country in the world? HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met key stakeholders to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss, and how 🇬🇧 aid is helping to make a difference #RoyalsinSA #UKinSAWithSA pic.twitter.com/MHeqXCdWUr
— UK in South Africa🇬🇧🇿🇦 (@ukinsouthafrica) January 22, 2024
Latest Royal News:
Jonathon is the world's oldest living mammal.
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Kate is currently recovering from abdominal surgery in The London Clinic for up to two weeks and will not return to work until after Easter.
Prince William has cleared his diary in order to support his wife and young children in the coming weeks.
The King is also set to go into hospital this week for an enlarged prostate meaning he cannot perform any royal duties.
The King’s wife, Queen Camilla has been undertaking royal engagements today in Swindon on her own.
