THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA

13 October 2011

The British High Commissioner to South Africa, Dame Nicola Brewer, has welcomed the news that the British Government has asked The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to undertake an official visit to South Africa from 2nd November to 6th November 2011 at the personal invitation of President Zuma. The Prince of Wales will also visit Arabian Gulf countries on 31st October and 1st November and Their Royal Highnesses' will visit Tanzania between 6th and 9th November.

Their Royal Highnesses' Commonwealth tour will focus on trade and investment promotion to support Britain's economic recovery; employment opportunities; education and practical support for disadvantaged young people; sustainability issues in the run-up to the Durban Climate Summit later in November, and shared heritage and conservation of traditional livelihoods and wildlife. The visit to Tanzania will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence. Bilateral ties including economic cooperation will also be to the fore in Kuwait and Qatar.

In both Commonwealth countries there will be a strong focus on The World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF's) work to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems. The Prince of Wales has recently become President of WWF UK. In South Africa Their Royal Highnesses will visit the Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg to see the legacy of former President Mandela. The work of the Department for International Development (DFID) will assume particular prominence given the UK Government's commitment to the development of both countries.

The British High Commission calls for expressions of interest to cover the South African leg of the tour as formal accreditation will be vital for attendance at the programme of events. Applications need to be submitted to the undersigned by CoP 20 October 2011.

notes for editors:

The Prince of Wales visited South Africa in 1997 when he introduced his son Prince Harry to Southern Africa.

This will be The Duchess of Cornwall's first official visit to Southern Africa, though she has visited privately. The Prince of Wales's last official visit to Tanzania was in March 1984. The Duchess has never visited Tanzania.

Joint statement issued by DIRCO and the British High Commission in South Africa, October 13 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter