Prince Edward visits vocational academy in Bhaktapur, tries his hand at wood carving 

KATHMANDU: Most of the sculptors were busy carving wood in the yard of Nepal Vocational Academy, located in front of Saraswoti School in Bhaktapur. There were many artistic sculptures, including a full-size metal statue of late king Prithvi Narayan Shah.

As artisans at the Academy were engrossed in their work, a team, comprising the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, visited on Wednesday. The activities at the Academy caught Duke's attention, and he tried his hand at wood carving.

On the occasion, craftsmen taught Prince Edward about artistic sculptures, and he, carrying tools, gave wood carving a try. The Prince, along with British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, visited historic heritage sites in Bhaktapur at the invitation of Rabindra Puri, Chief of Nepal Vocational Academy and heritage expert.

Head of the Academy and heritage specialist Puri said that the Academy has been contributing to heritage conservation by transferring traditional skills to the new generation through training in woodcraft and sculpture.

The Duke of Edinburgh appreciated the Academy's work. Puri welcomed the visiting dignitary's team to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and provided information on the historical art and artefacts in the World Heritage Site. The Duke and Duchess and their entourage observed Nyatapol Temple, Model House, and Dattatraya Temple on the occasion.

Afterwards, the royal couple reached the Academy. The members of the British Royal Family also observed Basuki Ghar at local Nagpokhari. They spent three hours in Bhaktapur. Prince Edward and Princess Sophie had arrived in Bhaktapur to attend separate programmes. Prince Edward visited the SOS Children's Village in local Sanothimi.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Nepal on Tuesday. During their visit, the British royal couple is scheduled to visit the British Embassy in Kathmandu, National Botanical Garden in Godavari, ICIMOD, and Pokhara, among other locations.

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