The Duke of Edinburgh’s very busy week celebrating Papua New Guinea’s independence

While King Charles was hosting the US President and First Lady back in Windsor, his youngest brother, the Duke of Edinburgh had been abroad in Papua New Guinea, attending celebrations as the country celebrated 50 years of independence from Australia.

It was a jam-packed visit earlier this week ahead of an additional visit to Japan, in which his wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh flew in to join him. Back in the United Kingdom, she attended the funeral of the late Duchess of Kent on behalf of the couple. The Duchess had been Edward’s godmother.

On Monday, after an official welcome from Papua New Guinea’s dignitaries, Edward paid a visit to the 1st Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment to present new colours and replace those that were issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Next, the royal paid a visit to The Adventure Park in Port Moresby, to tour the green space and theme park and then visited with the Wanigela community. According to the Royal Family website, the Wanigela village is a “trading and coastal fishing village established in early 1990s through traditional trading system.”

The Duke told the Wanigela community: “Thank you for this wonderful welcome, it is a great pleasure to be here in your village. As you might imagine, I have heard a great deal about this fabulous country from so many members of my family who have been here before. Thank you so for this wonderful gift and for the performances, and I look forward to talking to some of you and looking at some of the stalls that you have prepared.”

In response, Geelong Auma, the community councillor, said that “It is not every day that Koki Wanigela receives a royal visit, your presence here is more than an honour, it is a blessing and a source of pride for our people. We are humbled that you have chosen to share this time with us.”

Edward received a kina shell as a gift from the Wanigela community, which was once a form of currency and holds special value to the people there. While there, he visited food and food preparation stalls and also saw local culture on display via youth performance groups.

On Monday evening, the Duke of Edinburgh joined dignitaries for an official dinner hosted by Prime Minister James Marape. Other dignitaries included the Prime Minister of Australia, the Vice President of Indonesia and the Foreign Minister of New Zealand and prime ministers of 10 Pacific islands and other regional leaders, according to the Royal Family website.

On Tuesday morning, the Duke of Edinburgh attended a dawn flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill, a symbolic moment meant to evoke the moment Papua New Guinea achieved independence 50 years ago. The Royal Family website wrote that it was representative of “the beginning of PNG’s self-governance, national pride, and the assumption of responsibility for its own future.”

Later in the day, Edward met with the 6 Mile Okapa Community to learn more about their culture and to view a dance display.

He also attended a flag-lowering ceremony, which was designed to mimic the moment 50 years ago when the Australian flag was lowered to represent Papua New Guinea’s independence. It was a moment witnessed by King Charles, who had attended the initial independence celebrations in 1975.

At the ceremony, a video message from King Charles played, in which he spoke Tok Pisin, the official language of Papua New Guinea.

“Today is a big day for Papua New Guinea and I am happy to send my heartfelt gratitude to you all as you mark your 50th independence anniversary. On this day of great joy, my memory goes back to the day the PNG flag was raised on Independence Hill 50 years ago. I was there at the time,” he said.

“On that historic day, we looked to the future with hope and the belief that the country would grow and become strong as a new and proud nation. Today, as you mark this important milestone, we can reflect with joy on the many developments achieved over the past 50 years, as an independent and democratic country.”

A written message was also sent to the people of Papua New Guinea, which is available here.

On the final day of his visit to Papua New Guinea, Edward announced that a branch of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards will be launched within the country, with a pilot program beginning in three schools now before it rolls out to the entire country next year.

This was the Duke of Edinburgh’s first visit to Papua New Guinea.

Speaking to local newspaper, The Post Courier, ahead of the visit, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justin Tkatchenko, said that “We’ve had all the other brothers and sisters here, and we look forward to two wonderful days of this very historic royal visit.”

Following his visit, the Royal Family posted on social media: “Tenkyu long gutpela welkam!” which translates to “Thank you for the warm welcome!”