Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Prince Edwardis stepping up.
The Earl of Wessex, 57, conducted an important duty during the first state visit ofKing Charles III’s reign, accompanying Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, to two environmental engagements on Wednesday.
The morning began with a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on the president final day in the U.K. The duo made the half-hour trip from Buckingham Palace to highlight the scientific and conservation partnerships the two countries share, notably the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership through the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Prince Edward and President Ramaphosa, 70, checked out the plants in the world-renowned gardens, including the King Protea, the national flower of South Africa. To commemorate the next phase of theMillennium Seed Bank Partnership, an underground trove of 2.4 billion diverse seeds being conserved for future use, the stop also featured a ceremonial presentation of seeds.
Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Ramaphosa and the royal traveled back to London for their next outing, visiting the Francis Crick Institute, a biomedical research hub specializing in studying the biology of health and disease. The institute, which involves academia, medicine and industry, works with University of KwaZulu- Natal, a public university in South Africa. At the science center, Prince Edward and the president got to see technology used across Africa to make diagnoses, including COVID-19, before spending time with South African students and scientists.
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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Edward’s solo outing with the world leader is a signal of the elevated royal role he might have during his brother’s reign. Last week, Charles, 74, asked British Parliament to make Prince Edward andPrincess AnneCounsellors of State. Theseroyal representativescan stand in for the monarch in official duties if he is abroad or unwell.
Prince Edward and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The petition is being made to round out the ranks, asPrince HarryandPrince Andrew, who are both Counsellors of State, are no longer senior working royals. The update comes after members of Parliamentrecently pointed outthat this conundrum could create a conflict of interest if deputies were needed to act on behalf of the King.
Chris Jackson/Getty
“We are thrilled that our Royal guests of honour at this year’s Royal Variety Performance will be Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar,” Royal VarietytweetedThursday, posting a formal portrait of the royal couple.
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The performance supports the Royal Variety Charity, of whichQueen Elizabeth IIserved as the patron. The money raised helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the U.K. who need help and assistance as a result of old age, poor health or hard times. This year’s star-studded lineup includesEllie Goulding, George Ezra, Becky Hill,Andrew Lloyd Webber,Rita Wilson, Cirque du Soleil, Giffords Circus, the London Youth Choir and more.
source: people.com
