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HRH The Earl of Wessex to visit Chile this week

Visit will be in support of the United Kingdom's interests in the region and will reflect the strong relationship between Chile and the UK.

HRH The Earl of Wessex with volunteers of the 14th Fire Brigade when he visited Chile in March 2005.

HRH The Earl of Wessex with volunteers of the 14th Fire Brigade when he visited Chile in March 2005.

HRH The Earl of Wessex is visiting Chile between today and Friday 16 September. The visit will be in support of the United Kingdom’s interests in the region and will reflect the strong relationship that Chile has with the UK. The visit will also allow The Earl to build on the links he began to forge with organisations in Chile during his official visit in March 2005.

In Chile, His Royal Highness will meet local authorities and visit organisations which he supports, including;

  • Santiago: The Grange School to promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Visit the firefighters of the 14th Fire Company, of which he is Honorary Member and the Chilean-British Cultural University of which he is Patron.
  • Valparaiso: The Naval Academy; headquarters of the 11th Fire Company (founded by British volunteers) and the British Arch, where he will meet local authorities and representatives of the British community.

Notes to Editors

  • HRH The Earl of Wessex has visited Chile on one previous occasion for an official visit in March 2005. During the visit, The Earl met former President Ricardo Lagos, visited the Diplomatic Academy, the 14th Fire Company and the Chilean-British Cultural Institute. He also visited the “Circus of the World” social organisation for youth.
  • The Earl carries out a busy schedule of engagements in support of a large number of charities. His Royal Highness is especially passionate about organisations and causes which provide opportunities to young people.
  • HRH’s visit to The Grange School will support The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a flexible programme which helps young people to develop skills for life and work, founded by Prince Philip in 1956. The Grange School is currently the only organisation in Chile which is part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award network.
  • During 2016, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award will celebrate its 60th anniversary, with The Earl of Wessex playing a leading role. Over the past six decades almost 2.5 million young people have achieved Awards. There are currently one million participants in the initiative.

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Published 14 September 2016