As they wrapped up their six-day visit to Nepal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh offered a glimpse into the key to their lasting marriage.
During a visit to a botanical garden on Thursday, Prince Edward and Sophie, both 60, were seen exchanging playful jokes and holding hands. When asked by the traveling media about the secret to their happy 25-year union, Edward simply replied, “Because we’re best friends.” Sophie agreed, adding, “That’s true.”
One charming moment occurred when Edward planted a magnolia tree at the Godawari National Botanic Garden, with Sophie encouraging him, saying, “Keep going, darling.” The couple laughed as Edward quipped, “That’s the best bit of exercise I’ve had in ages.”
Discussing their shared sense of humor, Sophie noted, “There’s always got to be humor. Especially when you’re traveling and you’ve got no idea what’s about to happen. You’ve got to laugh.” On their competitive nature, she added, “Always. You’ve got to be competitive going up those hills.”
Reflecting on their engagement at the botanical garden, Edward explained, “There was a bit of confusion because they wanted us both to plant a tree, but then Sophie was also going to plant a rhododendron. We thought, ‘Well, if you’re planting the rhododendron, I should plant the tree.’ There was a lot of playful banter.”
Their tour of Nepal highlighted their individual areas of focus—Edward engaged with young people participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, while Sophie focused on discussions surrounding the support of survivors of sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.
Sophie, who has championed these causes globally, explained why they remain so vital. “Women are often excluded or find themselves at the worst end of the deal. Unfortunately, in times of crisis, they are disproportionately affected. In Nepal, we’ve also been looking at climate change, which is forcing vulnerable populations to migrate, increasing their risk of exploitation.”
She emphasized the importance of raising awareness, adding, “If people in my position don’t amplify these voices, they remain unheard. Many of these individuals have very little support. It’s not an easy subject, but it’s crucial.”
While acknowledging that recent conflicts have brought these issues into sharper focus, Sophie noted, “These problems have always existed, but it’s been difficult for victims to have a voice. To change behaviors, you have to keep pushing the conversation forward. So, I keep banging the drum.”
During the second day of their visit, the Duchess met survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence at Maiti Nepal—an organization King Charles visited in 1998.
Reflecting on her time there, she shared, “I met some incredible young women who are truly transforming their lives with Maiti’s help. The land they now operate on was made possible by the then Prince of Wales, who sold a painting to fund its purchase. That was a game-changer for them.”
Speaking about the broader impact of their work, Edward acknowledged, “There are so many incredible organizations doing vital, yet often unrecognized, work. If we can help shine a light on what they’re doing and give them a stronger platform, that’s what truly matters.”
Sophie echoed this sentiment, adding, “These organizations also seek local support from ministers, and it’s remarkable what a royal visit can do. If our presence encourages decision-makers to listen and take action, then that’s a success.”
