Last week, their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall received a warm and colourful welcome to The Gambia.
Following The Gambia’s return to The Commonwealth earlier this year, this is the royal couple’s first visit to The Gambia, planned as part of a wider regional tour to celebrate the UK’s dynamic, forward-looking partnerships with the Commonwealth Nations.
Affectionally regarded as West Africa’s smiling coast and a former British colony, The Gambia is widely recognised for its warm and friendly people, superb climate, golden beaches and world-class birding, with tourism its principal industry.
The Royal couple were welcomed at a ceremony in the country’s capital, Banjul, by
The Gambia’s President, Adama Barrow, democratically elected in January 2017 following
his defeat over former leader Yahya Jammeh.
During his stay, Prince Charles visited the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia which is working to eradicate malaria, as well as the Gambian Armed Forces Training Centre. The Duchess of Cornwall visited a school whose students are aspiring to enter The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition.
Prince Charles also visited Ngala Lodge, a clifftop boutique hotel that is a firm favourite with our guests.
above: Ngala Lodge staff wait to greet Prince Charles
below: Prince Charles meeting staff at Ngala Lodge
The Gambia Experience’s managing director, Mr Chris Ayling commented: “The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall's visit has been a fantastic opportunity for The Gambia, raising awareness of its return to the Commonwealth, as well as putting the country in the spotlight as a superb holiday destination.”
British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Sharon Wardle, described the visit as “a wonderful opportunity to celebrate UK-Gambian friendship as well as those guiding Commonwealth values that unite our respective peoples as part of the wider Commonwealth family.”
Below: Anita from Bansang Hospital Appeal with Gambia Experience staff Lillian, Jatta and Fatou.
Discover more about holidays in The Gambia by visiting our website, gambia.co.uk.
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