POKHARA, Feb 7: The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh celebrated the UK-Nepal friendship by attending the annual Gurkha Attestation Parade, where 274 young Nepali men officially joined the British Army.
According to a press statement issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu, the Royal couple at the event witnessed the formal induction of the 274 new recruits who completed a rigorous selection process, marking the beginning of their military careers. Following the event, the Duke and Duchess met with the families of the new recruits.
“This year’s recruits were part of a highly competitive process, with over 13,000 potential candidates vying for the 274 positions. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas performed the march-out, as proud family members from across Nepal cheered on the young men who will now join the British Army,” the statement reads.
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The Duke of Edinburgh addressed the new recruits, saying, "You are now a Gurkha. One amongst only 274 new Gurkhas from over 13,000 potential recruits this year. This has been one of the greatest challenges of your lives. You deserve to feel very proud of your achievement."
The 274 trainee riflemen will undergo nine months of training at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick, UK. Alongside them, 38 Coronation Medals and 2 Long Service & Good Conduct Medals were presented to Gurkha and British staff, according to the statement.
In addition to the parade, the Duke and Duchess visited the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s (GWT) Area Welfare Centre in Kaski, where they saw firsthand the UK’s charitable efforts in supporting veterans and their families. They also visited the GWT Residential Home, which cares for vulnerable former Gurkhas and their widows, where they met 104-year-old Ash Kumari Tamang, a widow of a Second World War Gurkha soldier.
The statement further reads, “The GWT, the leading charity dedicated to supporting Gurkha veterans, their families, and communities, has been a key player in providing financial, medical, and educational support to Gurkha veterans in Nepal. It was founded in 1969 and has since spent millions each year to improve the lives of veterans, their families, and communities, including post-earthquake relief, medical care, and education initiatives.”
Additionally, the Duke and Duchess received a briefing on the work of the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association (KAAA), which supports Nepal’s hill communities with infrastructure and training. The KAAA has contributed significantly to rebuilding efforts after the 2015 earthquake and has been instrumental in Nepal’s Covid-19 response.
This visit highlighted the strong ties between the UK and Nepal, honoring the legacy of the Gurkhas and ensuring continued support for their well-being and future generations, said the British Embassy in the statement.
