Prince Harry Welcomed in Pokhara

On 22/03/2016, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, visited Pokhara and surrounding areas during his five-day official tour of Nepal, which ran from 19/03/2016 to 23/03/2016. The visit formed part of events marking 200 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Nepal and included engagements focused on Gurkha communities and post-earthquake recovery. During his time in the Pokhara region, Prince Harry visited the British Gurkha Camp in Lamachaur, where he laid a wreath in remembrance of fallen soldiers and met with families of Gurkhas who had died in service. The visit reflected his personal connection to the Gurkha regiments, with whom he served during his military career. Prince Harry also traveled to the hill village of Leurani, trekking through the Himalayan foothills to reach the community. He stayed overnight with a local family and was named an honorary village headman during his visit. The stay included participation in a traditional cultural programme with local residents. In nearby Okhari, he visited Gauda Secondary School, which was being rebuilt following damage caused by the April 2015 earthquake, with support from the Gurkha Welfare Trust. While in Okhari, Prince Harry joined local students in celebrating the festival of Holi, taking part in the traditional throwing of colored powder. The visit highlighted both community recovery efforts after the earthquake and the continuing relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal through shared history and military ties.