Royals' rare public display of affection snapped during first tour of its kind in decades

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have shared a rare public display of affection during their official royal tour of Nepal.

The royal couple were visiting Godawari National Botanic Garden on the second day of their visit to the nation.

The pair were making their way down a flight of stone stairs in the garden when Prince Edward took his wife's hand.

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Sophie and Edward have been married for over 25 years and share two children, Lady Louise, 21, and Viscount James, 17.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have cemented themselves as key royals, kicking off 2025 with this tour ahead of what will be a packed calendar for the couple.

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Their affection has been on display during the tour with the pair clearly enjoying their time in Nepal.

At one point Prince Edward was helping to fill in a hole for a new tree. HELLO! reports Sophie encouraging her husband by saying: "Keep going, darling."

To which Edward reportedly responding: "That's the best bit of exercise I've had in ages."

The couple learned about climate challenges facing Nepal and the Hindu Kush Himalaya during their visit, and learned about developing technologies for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land and water programs.

The six-day visit to Nepal is in recognition the country's close ties to the UK.

During the trip Edward and Sophie are undertaking joint engagements as well as a number of solo undertakings.

Sophie was able to see Nepal's progress on maternal health and newborn care during the trip to Bhaktapur Hospital Maternity Wing, where she met clinicians and patients.

She then visited charity Maiti Nepal, which King Charles visited in 1998, when he was still the Prince of Wales.

The royal was also treated to a music class at the Mother Teresa School, chatting to the children and teachers there.

The royal then enjoyed a working lunch at Dwarika's Hotel, where she was greeted by a number of children with flowers.

Next on the agenda was a visit to Kirtipur Hospital, to see the work of the Ridley Eye Foundation.

Sophie is the Global Ambassador of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), so touring the eye hospital's facilities was something the royal took great interest in.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are making their first visit to Nepal and are the first senior members of the British royal family to make an official visit in almost 30 years.

Charles visited in 1998, while the late Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip- Prince Edward's parents- made a trip in 1986.

Upon the couple's arrival in the country they were greeted at the Presidential Palace by the President of Nepal, His Excellency Ram Chandra Paudel.

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