His Royal Highness, representing The King, has visited Papua New Guinea to attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Australia.
On Monday morning, The Duke took part in the presentation of new Colours to the 1st Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, replacing the previous colours dating from The late Queen’s reign. This significant event symbolizes the unit’s history, spirit, and loyalty to the nation and its Head of State.
Then, His Royal Highness visited The Adventure Park and was welcomed by the Mokoreng community, located about 14 miles from downtown Port Moresby along the Sogeri Road, is one of the capital’s few large-scale recreational facilities. Opened to the public in 2011, the park was developed to offer a family-friendly environment for leisure, education, and cultural enrichment.
The Adventure Park serves as a vital green space in a rapidly urbanizing city, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience nature, culture, and recreation in one location. It continues to grow in popularity as one of Port Moresby’s few affordable and accessible family attractions.
His Royal Highness visited the Wangiela community and watched two performances by youth groups, he then also had the opportunity to meet the performers. The Wanigela is a trading and coastal fishing village established in early 1990s through traditional trading system.
In the evening, as part of the Independence Celebrations, the Prime Minister James Marape hosted a dinner with various international leaders attending. The Prime Minister of Australia, the Vice President of Indonesia and the Foreign Minister of New Zealand attended, alongside the Prime Ministers of 10 pacific islands and other regional leaders.
On Tuesday morning, His Royal Highness witnessed a dawn flag-raising Ceremony at Independence Hill. This symbolic event celebrated the country’s peaceful transition to nationhood in 1975. The ceremony, near the National Parliament House, commemorated the hoisting of the new national flag, representing the beginning of PNG’s self-governance, national pride, and the assumption of responsibility for its own future.
At 6 Mile Okapa Community The Duke met villagers and viewed a cultural dance display. The community is closely knit, with strong tribal and family connections. They help preserve the values and traditions of the Okapa people, even as they navigate life in a highly urbanized and competitive environment. Community members rely heavily on informal employment, small trade, horticulture and market activities to sustain their livelihoods.
At Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, The Duke attended a flag lowering ceremony. This annual tradition saw the PNG flag lowered and presented, via The Duke, to the Governor-General. This was a reenactment of the ceremony which was witnessed by His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, on 16 September 1975 when the Australian flag was lowered upon PNG’s independence.
His Royal Highness also attended the culmination of the week’s independence events; a large celebration held at the Sir John Guise stadium. This included a video message from His Majesty King Charles III. There was also a speech from Prime Minister James Marape, followed by unique cultural performances and fireworks.
On the final day of the visit, The Duke attended an event as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award where it was announced that a pilot of the Award will be launched within 3 secondary schools in Papua New Guinea next year, ahead of a nationwide rollout.
During a roundtable discussion, The Duke, Prime Minister, as well as other guests discussed the emerging importance of non-formal education and the significant role that The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award can play in supporting this in PNG.
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