The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall wrapped up their first visit to The Gambia on Thursday.
At a State Dinner hosted by the President of The Gambia, Prince Charles paid tribute to the country.
“The warmth of your hospitality this evening mirrors that of the welcome that my wife and I have been so touched to receive throughout our stay in The Gambia, and we could hardly be more grateful to you, your government and the people of The Gambia for all the arrangements that have been made on our behalf.”
Following a welcome ceremony in the morning, with a performance by schoolchildren, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall separated for the day.
Prince Charles visited the Gambian Armed Forces Training School to meet with the Chief of the Defence Staff and attend an international human rights lesson.
The Prince also visited the Medical Research Council Facility, which is a partner of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The Council researches disease intervention and control in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Duchess of Cornwall began her day meeting with young people for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at St. Therese’s School.
Camilla heard a young girl’s submitted essay and met with students in a writing club. She opened the school’s library as part of the “BookAid” initiative and watched a Grade 9 play based on a work from the writing club she’d met with earlier.
Following her visit to St. Therese’s School, Camilla attended a Commonwealth Big Lunch with Britain’s High Commissioner to The Gambia. During the lunch, she was able to meet with female entrepreneurs who were showcasing their fashion and art wares supported by “SheTrades.”
Camilla also presented the Points of Light Award to Omar Badjie for his volunteerism.
At the evening’s State Dinner, Prince Charles spoke of the bonds between the people of the UK and The Gambia, saying, “We have also been fortunate to meet so many people who are making a profound difference to this partnership, whether British or Gambian or, indeed, one of the countless people who have a home in both countries and are, in so many ways, a living bridge between us.”
Prince Charles urged the attendees to toast to The Gambia, saying, “It has given us the greatest pleasure and pride to be able to join you in celebrating the ties between the United Kingdom and The Gambia, and between the members of our Commonwealth family, and I can assure you that we will take back with us a host of special memories.”
Prince Charles and Camilla’s West African tour continues in Ghana.
