The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh displayed a rare moment of affection as they awkwardly held hands during their visit to Nepal's National Botanic Garden in Godawari on Thursday.
Prince Edward and Sophie, both 60, were spotted walking hand-in-hand down a flight of stone stairs after touring the site's orchid house, with the Kathmandu Valley providing a stunning backdrop.
The Duchess cut an elegant figure in a £750 Zimmermann skirt adorned with red floral prints, paired with a chic pink blazer from Chloe.
She completed her stylish ensemble with £70 espadrilles from Toms and Stella McCartney sunglasses.
Duchess of Edinburgh holds hands with Prince Edward in rare moment of affection
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The couple arrived in the country on Tuesday for a six-day visit and appeared in high spirits as they toured the garden on the third day of their trip to the Himalayan region.
The royal couple participated in a meaningful tree planting ceremony, placing their sapling next to two trees planted by Edward's parents, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, in 1986.
The moment was marked by playful exchanges between the couple. "That's the best bit of exercise I've had for ages," Edward remarked while shovelling soil.
"Keep going, darling," Sophie encouraged her husband.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward held hands as they walked down the stone steps
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The Duchess took her turn watering the newly planted tree, expressing hope for its future. "This is going to make all the difference. May the tree grow," she said.
The tree planting formed part of their visit to explore Nepal's climate challenges and environmental initiatives.
At the Orchid House, the Duke launched a significant new botanic training scheme that will connect young Nepali horticulturists with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RGBE), of which King Charles is patron.
The initiative builds upon a 25-year collaboration between RBGE and Nepali botanists in biodiversity research, conservation, and sustainable use of plant resources.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward awkwardly posed together for the cameras
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The training programme marks another step in strengthening horticultural ties between the two nations.
The couple toured the Orchid House before descending the stone steps where they were photographed holding hands, with views stretching across the Kathmandu Valley.
The visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between the UK and Nepal in botanical research and environmental conservation.
During her visit, Sophie engaged warmly with local schoolchildren, enlisting their help to plant a rhododendron in the garden.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward are in Nepal on a royal tour
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"Will you come and visit my rhododendron? Will you help look after it?" the Duchess asked the young participants.
The royal couple later visited the Integrated Mountain Development Living Mountain Lab in Kathmandu, where they learned about the climate challenges facing Nepal and the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
Sophie raised concerns about waste management on Mount Everest, inquiring whether climbing fees were "being earmarked for dealing with some of the issues."
ICIMOD scientists briefed the couple on technologies being developed for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land and water management.
David Potter, ICIMOD's Head of Regional and Global Affairs, provided the royals with insights into local communities' primary environmental challenges.
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