HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, embarks on a four-day official working visit to St. Helena Island, becoming the first British royal to visit the island since his older sister, Anne, the Princess Royal visited the island in 2002.
Saint Helena Island is one of the world's remotest islands. Together with its neighboring islands - Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, they are British overseas territories located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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| St. Helena Island |
The island is the United Kingdom's second-oldest overseas territory after Bermuda. It is famous for being the site of Napoleon Bonaparte's second exile, following his final defeat during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon died on St. Helena Island in 1821.
Prince Edward attends a public event on the Grand Parade of the island’s historic Georgian capital, Jamestown, and meets members of the local community.
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| Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh meets local residents. Photo credit: The Royal Family |
He also meets the island's resident tortoise, Jonathan, a Seychelles tortoise. It is reported to be the oldest living land animal in the world with an estimated birthdate in 1832.
Jonathan has lived in St Helena since the 1880s and has met many members of the Royal Family during his 142 years there including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, The Queen Mother, and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
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| Prince Edward meets Jonathan. Photo credit: The Royal Family |
The Seychelles giant tortoise has outlived seven British monarchs, being born in the reign of King William IV. King Charles III is now the eighth monarch of his lifespan so far.
Prince Edward climbed Jacob's ladder, which has 699 steps, that leads to Ladder Hill Port. He also heard the important role of The Princess Royal Community Care Center plays in the community.
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| Prince Edward climbs the Jacob's Ladder. Photo credit: The Royal Family |
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| Photo credit: The Royal Family |
Governor Nigel Phillips of St. Helena said:
“We are honored to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to St Helena on a four-day visit. This promises to be a special occasion, with a public holiday allowing the entire community to join this opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the culture and environment of this remarkable island.”
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