Prince Andrew attends Botswana’s 50th anniversary celebrations

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew visited Botswana to attend its 50th anniversary celebrations and to highlight the unique shared history that Botswana and the United Kingdom enjoy. He attended the independence eve and Independence Day celebrations at the national stadium. The celebrations showcased Botswana’s growth and development since gaining independence in 1966, and replicated the original hand over conducted between UK and Botswana representatives 50 years ago. He also attended the premiere of the film A United Kingdom, which tells the story of the marriage of Seretse Khama and his British wife Ruth.

During his visit, Prince Andrew had an opportunity to visit the second city of Botswana, Francistown. There he promoted trade links, as well as initiatives to develop entrepreneurship and innovation. He launched the Engineering Fairy Association established with an aim of bridging the gender gap in engineering and science disciplines. The event took place at Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE) where junior and senior school students exhibited their mathematics and science projects. His Royal Highness was impressed by the exhibitions showcased by students and encouraged the young scientists to further develop their ideas. He met with representatives of Videre Botswana, a company with UK links developing innovative solar energy solutions – large and small scale – to meet Botswana’s development needs. Prince Andrew also had an opportunity to visit Botswana Meat Commission Francistown abattoir, whose product is distributed to European markets via a distribution centre in the UK. At a reception he also interacted with British community based in Francistown, government officials, representatives from private sector and the civil society.