Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are to visit The Gambia on the 31st October bringing a welcome spotlight on the destination following its return to The Commonwealth back in February of this year. Planned as part of a wider regional tour to celebrate the UK's dynamic, forward-looking partnerships with the Commonwealth Nations, it will be the first time their Royal Highnesses will have been to The Gambia. 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 principle industry.
The Royal couple will be 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 will be visiting 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 will be visiting a school whose students are aspiring to enter The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition.
The visit coincides with the start of the winter sun holiday season in The Gambia, and the UK's leading holiday provider and specialist to the destination. The Gambia Experience's managing director, Mr Chris Ayling comments: “The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visiting The Gambia is a fantastic opportunity for the country, as not only will it raise the awareness of its rejoin to the Commonwealth, but also put 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.”
