Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Strengthens UK-South Africa Ties During Landmark Visit

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, recently concluded a two-day visit to South Africa, marking the first royal visit since President Ramaphosa's historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022. During his stay, The Duke met Acting President Mashatile and explored Pretoria's Botanical Garden alongside South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and Mr. Shonisani Munzhedi, CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI).

The visit emphasized the long-standing collaboration between Kew and SANBI in preserving South Africa's rich plant diversity. The Duke also learned about indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets and explored South Africa's abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants.

His Royal Highness engaged with biodiversity organizations to understand their conservation efforts and combat biodiversity loss. He also toured an exhibition of President Award winners at the British High Commissioner's Residence, celebrating the 41st anniversary of the President's Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) in South Africa, which empowers youth and promotes community service.

The Duke attended a reception to mark the launch of the UK's new International Science Partnership Fund, highlighting the deep and diverse friendship between the UK and South Africa, spanning youth empowerment, climate, science research, biodiversity, and democracy. The Award supports around 3,000 young South Africans annually, with over 65,000 young participants since 2011, symbolizing shared values and collaboration in addressing global challenges. UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, emphasized their commitment to working together on critical issues.