Prince Harry elated to see art work in Patan; holds meeting with President

Kathmandu / March 20: The visiting British Prince Henry Charles Albert ‘Harry’ today visited the historic Patan Durbar Square, enlisted as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exulted in the splendor of the ancient woodcraft.

The 32 –year –old prince said he used to be elated seeing the exemplary art work in photos back home. Prince Harry noted that he used to admire the work but was truly elated in meeting with the artists in real life.

The Prince met with those involved in the reconstruction work during inspection of the world heritage site which incurred damages during the massive earthquake of April 25. He spent more than one and half an hour in the ancient palace area.

He also inquired in detail of the archeological structures that were damaged during the earthquake. He questioned how the work of reconstruction was going on.

The British Prince also used the equipment being used by the wood artists and was curious as to its discipline. The Panchakanyas (five girls) clad in Newari attire welcomed the Prince when he arrived at the old palace square at 12:30 pm. Prince Harry observed the Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and the Bhandarkhal garden among other sites within the royal palace. Harry’s father British Crown Prince Charles had also visited the site in 1982.

The Prince who is always fond of having an open chitchat also talked with foreign tourists visiting the area. English tourists were expressionless when they got to shake hands with their beloved Prince Harry. They said they would not have such a chance back in England. Harry spoke with the English family on tour for at least two minutes.

Prince Harry then went to visit the Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden Gate Temple), which is located a few blocks north-west of the royal palace square. This temple is one of the oldest and historic in Nepal. The temple which has gone through numerous renovation works was damaged during the earthquake.

Prince Harry was accompanied by British Ambassador to Nepal Richard Morris during his sojourn to Patan Durbar Square.

Before visiting to Patan Durbar Square, the Visiting British Prince Harry paid a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari. During the meeting that took place at the Rastrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) Shital Niwas, the two exchanged views on various aspects concerning friendly relations existing between the two countries since two centuries.

On the occasion, Prince Harry expressed his concern over the conservation of Nepal’s natural heritages including mountains, and wildlife, the Office of the President said.

He praised the dedication, honesty and valour, the characteristics of the British Gurkhas. The British Prince further said during his Nepal visit, he had an opportunity to directly feel that Nepalis never stop smiling even in hard times that was either invited by the earthquake or severe fuel shortage.

The smiling faces of Nepalis in the aftermath of earthquake reflect that the trait of valiance inherited by Gurkhalis even during crisis rests on among them, he said.

In response, the President said it was a matter of happiness for the entire state that it got an opportunity to welcome the prince of its old but good friend.

The President thanked the British Government for its meaningful support to the country in the post-earthquake rescue and reconstruction efforts. Britain is a major development partner of Nepal, the President said, expressing her hope that Nepal could take benefits from Prince Harry’s interests in the conservation of tourism and environment and his generosity.

Similarly, the visiting British Prince Harry is travelling to Bardiya on Monday. According to Chief at the National Wildlife Park in Bardiya, Ramesh Thapa, Prince Harry is scheduled to observe the National Park and would do rafting in a local Khauraha river.

On the occasion, he would go for jungle safari and enjoy home stay at Suryapatuwa VDC. During the home stay, the distinguished guest would be shown the cultural Tharu dance and pageants.

Prince Harry, who is on a five five-day official visit to Nepal, arrived in Nepal on March 19 on the occasion of the bicentenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the UK. RSS