The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit to Sri Lanka – Day 3

Here’s day three of The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit to Sri Lanka. In the morning, Their Royal Highnesses visited Court Lodge Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya. I am sorry but cannot find any info, or even official website for this factory. Nuwara Eliya (often referred to as ‘Little England’) is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea. Thats also where the finest tea in the world, Ceylon Tea is cultivated & processed. Since the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka in mid 19th century Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea country of Highlands of Sri Lanka.

photo via @UKinSriLanka Twitter feed

The Earl and Countess of Wessex later visited the Mentally Handicapped Children and Families Educational Project in Nuwara Eliya. TRH’s spoke with students and their parents and learnt how the project is helping to support children with disabilities reach their full potential. The project, which began in 1988 with just 6 children, is now able to help over 3,000 children and their families across Sri Lanka. The Countess takes a special interest in supporting people with disabilities.

photo via @JamesDauris – British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Ambassador to the Maldives Twitter feed

MENCAFEP was created to especially mentally disabled children and their families, firstly in Nuwara Eliya, then Batticaloa and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Before the inception of MENCAFEP, there were no facilities at all for disabled children in Nuwara Eliya District of 1 million plus population. Tiny article about this visit that mentions that Sophie “cuddled a crying differently abled child at the school and calmed her down, and that emotional moment brought a tear to those who were gathered there”, can be found here.

In the afternoon, The Countess of Wessex observed a workshop for female Sri Lankan police officers at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. Again, no info about this portion of the visit.

In the evening, Their Royal Highnesses attended a Reception given by the British High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (His Excellency Mr James Dauris) at the Residence in Colombo. I believe during this reception, though it might have been on the night before, Their Royal Highnesses spent time with those honoured by the Commonwealth Points of Light award, the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme and the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award. For press release, click here.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex afterwards called upon The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the President’s Office, Paget Road, Colombo. The Earl and Countess of Wessex have delivered a message from The Queen to the President of Sri Lanka, HE Maithripala Sirisena, on the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. Their Royal Highnesses later attended a Dinner with Sri Lankan Ministers at the Uga Residence Hotel in Colombo.

Here’s message from HM The Queen: “It gives me great pleasure to send to Your Excellency my congratulations on the occasion of the celebration by Sri Lanka of the seventieth anniversary of Independence. The relationship between our two countries has continued to grow over the years, and it is my hope that the connections between our people continue to flourish in the years to come.
Although I am unable to be with you as you mark this historic moment, I am very pleased that The Earl and Countess of Wessex are able to represent me and to join you in celebrating all that the people of Sri Lanka have achieved in the past 70 years.
I send my best wishes to the people of Sri Lanka on this occasion.
ELIZABETH R”.

I am really sorry for the lack of info, but itinerary is blurry, at no point CC mentions Points of Light awards and looking for pictures reminds me of looking for a needle in a haystack. Coverage of this tour is really challenging. Frankly, as always.

Outfit & jewellery:
New, Erdem Women’s Kasia Cotton-poplina Shirtdress. Btw, Kasia is Polish name for Kate.
Earrings by Monica Vinader rose gold plated in Siren style and rose quartz.
Some necklace, but can’t see which one.
Noble Macmillan Tassell Pouch in Cyclamen colour.   
New to me burgundy sandals.
evening:
New, Andina Llama-print silk-satin shirtdress by Galvan.
New to me earrings.
Sophie Habsburg bag in Amber style.  
Shoes, who knows…

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit to Sri Lanka – Day 2

Yesterday, The Earl and Countess of Wessex continued their visit to Sri Lanka with many various engagements. First, TRH’s visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa, Sri Dalada Veediya) in Kandy. Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple, located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The Kingdom of Kandy was an independent monarchy of the island of Lanka, located in the central and eastern portion of the island. It was founded in the late 15th century and endured until the early 19th century.

photo via Sri Dalada Maligawa Facebook feed

According to Sri Lankan legends, when the Buddha died in 543 BC, his body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre at Kushinagar and his left canine tooth was retrieved from the funeral pyre by his disciple, Khema. Khema then gave it to King Brahmadatte for veneration. It became a royal possession in Brahmadatte’s country and was kept in the city of Dantapuri (modern Puri, Odisha). Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple. To learn more, click here.

photo via Sri Dalada Maligawa Facebook feed

At the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Their Royal Highnesses met Chief Lay Custodian Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Governor of Central Province Hon. Niluka Ekanayake and Chief Minister of the Central Province Hon. Sarath Ekanayake and learned from them about the significance of the tooth relic. The Royal Couple paid their respects in the inner sanctum of the Temple, where they viewed the casket containing the sacred tooth relic and received blessings. It looks like it was an interesting visit, and the place is spectacular, there are five short videos, and you will find them all by clicking here.

Afterwards, Prince Edward and Sophie visited St. Paul’s Church adjoining the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. It is an anglican church, affiliated to the Church of Ceylon. St. Paul’s Church is located in the  historical district of Kandy, Sri Lanka on sacred grounds west of the Temple of the Tooth. Construction began in 1843 and was completed in 1848. It was consecrated in 1853. The church was later enlarged in 1878 and 1928. The idea of a Church was born in 1825, when the second Bishop of Calcutta, the Rt. Rev. Reginald Heber visited Kandy in 1825 for a Confirmation Service.

photo via Lalantha Jayasinghe Facebook

He then noted that Sunday worship and church festivals were being held in the ancient Audience Hall of the late Kings of Kandy, which served as a church to the British garrison in Kandy and a smaller number of Ceylonese. The Bishop observed the great need for a church of their own, more appropriately sited and more suitably designed. To learn more click here. During their visit, The Earl & Countess admired The Stained Glass Window gifted by the widow of Laurence St. George Carey, a tea planter, in memory of her husband, in 1874. TRH’s also signed visitor’s book. I wasn’t able to find much info about this portion of the day.

photo via Trinity College Kandy flickr feed – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

Next, The Earl and Countess visited Trinity College in Kandy. Trinity College is a private school for boys in Sri Lanka founded in 1872 by Anglican missionaries, that offers primary and secondary education. Although, it was founded as an Anglican Missionary school based on the traditions of the best of the public schools in England, the missionaries took into its ambit the best of the indigenous culture. Today it is one of the leading schools with a rich heritage. To learn more about this school please click here.

photo via Trinity College Kandy flickr feed – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

The Earl and Countess spent time with students from Trinity College Kandy and the Girls’ High School (public girls’ School and the oldest school for girls in Kandy) and heard from them about their aspirations for the future and why they believed English language education would equip them for the challenges of working in an increasingly connected world. They also enjoyed lunch with student representatives and members of local Guides and Scouts groups. Students of the Junior School displayed their handicrafts and spoke to the Royal couple as well. For gallery of pictures, different from the one linked with pics, click here. Very detailed information about TRH’s visit can be found here.

There was also a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens ‘Peradeniya’ in Kandy, where Their Royal Highnesses planted a myrtle tree to commemorate formally Sri Lanka’s 70th Anniversary of Independence and they unveiled a plaque to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the Royal Botanical Gardens and Britain. Queen Elizabeth visited the Gardens in 1954, and buildings within the Gardens were used by Lord Mountbatten as his headquarters during WWII. Visitors can see trees planted by generations of members of the Royal Family from more than 100 years.

Renowned for its collection of orchids, the garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to it is the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. This was followed by King Kirti Sri and King Rajadhi Rajasinghe. A temple was built on this location by King Wimala Dharma, but it was destroyed by the British when they were given control over the Kingdom of Kandy.

photo via Sri Lanka Tennis Association Facebook feed

Their Royal Highnesses subsequently visited the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha in Colombo. The Royal Couple took part in laying of the foundation stone for the new Indoor Tennis Complex after which the plaque to mark the occasion was unveiled by Prince Edward. The Earl and Countess then witnessed four wheelchair players in action. Wheelchair tennis was re-introduced in Sri Lanka in 2001 by Suresh Subramaniam, former SLTA President (2002 to 2005). The Prince also caught up with the 2018 Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams ahead of their tournaments. For lovely gallery of pictures click here. Video of the visit can be found here. Another video is here. And one more video here. Thanks Molly for your help!

photo via Sri Lanka Tennis Association Facebook feed

Iqbal Bin Isaack, President of SLTA said, “The British Royal Family has a history of being closely associated with tennis as patrons of the game. SLTA is the second oldest tennis association in Asia and we celebrated our centenary in 2015. SLTA is honoured by this historic Royal visit as we inherited the game from the British. The visit allows us the opportunity to gain Worldwide exposure for our wheelchair tennis that has brought immense credit to our country. The Rs. 800 million new Indoor Tennis Complex with floodlit courts will be a major leap forward for Sri Lanka’s tennis, and thankful to Mr Aelian Gunawardene of JAT Holdings in developing the new complex to uplift tennis in Sri Lanka.”

In the evening, The Earl and Countess of Wessex attended a Dinner given by the British High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (His Excellency Mr James Dauris) at the Residence in Colombo.

For gallery of pictures, visit the Sunday Leader by clicking here. Another gallery can be found at the Sunday Times, here. There was even a tiny article at Daily Mail, check it here. Another article is here. Sorry but it took really long time to put this all together. Hopefully I will have pics from visit to the garden and diner later on. For now I wasn’t able to find anything that I could use.

Outfit & jewellery:
STELLA MCCARTNEY Arlesa stretch-crepe top.
ROLAND MOURET Uppingham wide crepe trousers.
Earrings by Monica Vinader rose gold plated in Siren style and rose quartz.
Hermes Constance charm in rose gold set with 65 diamonds.
Clutch by Sophie Habsburg Design.
J.Crew Canvas espadrille wedges.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit to Sri Lanka – Day 1, part 2

As mentioned in yesterday’s post, TRH’s Earl & Countess of Wessex are currently with a visit to Sri Lanka. The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at Bandaranaike International Airportin Colombo on Wednesday morning, and were received by the British High Commissioner to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (HE Mr James Dauris) and the State Minister of Foreign Affairs. The five-day visit will celebrate the long-standing UK & Sri Lanka relationship, the Commonwealth, education and young people.

photo Third Space Global via Facebook

In the afternoon, The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Third Space Global at Orion City IT Park in Colombo. Third Space Global is a British owned company which employs young Sri Lankans to deliver online 1 to 1 teaching to over 6000 primary school children across the UK. Organization also supports Sri Lankan education through its free e-learning hubs for children and free teaching workshops for teachers. To learn more, please click here.

photo Third Space Global via Facebook

After a tour of Third Space Global’s recently opened office at Orion City, The Earl and Countess unveiled a plaque to mark their visit. The Royal couple also joined a maths lesson with primary students back in the UK via a virtual classroom, facilitated by Third Space Global. The Earl & Countess of Wessex also unveiled Third Space’s bold new Mission Statement. For gallery of pictures of TRH’s visit please click here. There is also a tiny video, which can be found here. There’s not much on day 1, slightly better situation with day 2, but I will cover it once CC will be made public, which is after midnight UK time, that’s 1 of Polish time, so more likely tomorrow. Update, article with more info on this engagement can be found here.

photo Third Space Global via Facebook

Also, not sure if you noticed in a royal diary, but it has been formally announced today, that on February 19th, The Duchess of Cambridge and The Countess of Wessex will host a reception on behalf of The Queen during London Fashion Week to celebrate and showcase a new creative initiative – the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. Launched today (1st February) by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange aims to create partnerships between established and emerging talent from across the 52 member countries, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London this April.

Outfit & jewellery:
New, Navy and White Jacquard Dress by Oscar de la Renta.
New clutch by Sophie Habsburg Design.
Pumps might be also new, suede.
Paloma’s Sugar Stacks citrine earrings by Tiffany & Co.
Some new to me pendat. It’s either ‘S’, or a scroll motive of some kind. Pictures are limited.
Watch seen before, no ID.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit to Sri Lanka – Day 1, part 1

Prince Edward and The Countess of Wessex arrived to Sri Lanka today. Their five day visit (31st Jan. to 4th Feb) will focus on the long-standing UK and Sri Lanka relationship, the Commonwealth, education and young people. Their Royal Highnesses will also represent Her Majesty The Queen at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka’s independence on Sunday.

photo via @UKinSriLanka Twitter feed TRH’s were welcomed by Sri Lankan State Minister of Foreign Affairs Wasantha Senanayake and Mrs. Senanayake

The Earl and Countess will travel to Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka, celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two countries and shared interest in the Commonwealth, youth development and education. The Earl and Countess will also travel to Kandy where they will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

photo via @UKinSriLanka Twitter feed

Their Royal Highnesses will meet participants in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and young Sri Lankans selected as Queen’s Young Leaders, an initiative to recognise and celebrate exceptional young people across the Commonwealth. The Earl and Countess will also meet representatives of a number of projects advancing causes they support through their work, including MENCAFEP, whose work to help differently-abled children and their families in the Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee and Batticaloa Districts illustrates the close links between the people of Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

photo via @UKinSriLanka Twitter feed

During the visit Their Royal Highnesses will meet young people overcoming challenges from a variety of communities across Sri Lanka. During their visit to the Schools for the Deaf and Blind in Ratmalana, they will meet able and differently-abled young people following the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, and witness how the scheme helps the communication impaired integrate into society in meaningful ways.

As the United Kingdom looks forward to hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April 2018, Their Royal Highnesses’ visit will highlight countries’ shared ambition to ensure the Commonwealth is well-placed to help deliver a bright future for its Members’ citizens. The Royal couple will also meet with young athletes and para-athletes who will represent Sri Lanka at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

Outfit & jewellery:
New, STELLA MCCARTNEY Sierra stretch-crepe dress.
Paloma’s Sugar Stacks citrine earrings by Tiffany & Co.
UFO watch.
New UFO ‘S’ pendant.
Beauchamps of London, Codrington Clutch – Navy EXOTIC Python Print Calf Suede.
Smythson Panama tote in orange/coral.
GIANVITO ROSSI Bari 85 patent-leather court shoes in pale pink.  

The Countess of Wessex visits Northern Ireland

Today, 23rd January, The Countess of Wessex was with a visit to Northern Ireland. This visit, as all Northern Ireland visits, wasn’t announced in a royal diary ahead of time, most likely due to security issues. While in Belfast The Countess visited the Mencap Children’s Centre for children with a learning disability, and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Down (Mr. David Lindsay). Mencap Children’s Centre in Belfast provides a unique specialist learning environment for children, and support and advice to families. The service works in partnership with the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.

photo via Mencap in Northern Ireland Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery; Credit © Press Eye/William Cherry

The Countess has been a national Patron of Mencap charity since 2004. Mencap Centre in Belfast was officially opened by First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Simon Hamilton, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in March 2016. The centre is the first of its kind for Mencap, and is a radical step for the future of children and young people with a learning disability, and their families, across Northern Ireland.

photo via Mencap in Northern Ireland Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery; Credit © Press Eye/William Cherry

This centre is the main office for Mencap Northern Ireland and it houses: a state-of-the-art Children’s Centre and accessible playground; youth activity rooms; therapeutic treatment rooms; training and conference facilities; five meeting spaces and a large open plan office for Mencap staff, services and projects. For full video of HRH’s visit, please click here. More pictures of HRH’s visit can be found at Mencap official Facebook website, for gallery click here. For article about the visit, click here.

Afterwards, The Countess visited Laganside Courts and was received by Dr. Philip McGarry (Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast), where HRH learnt about the NSPCC’s Young Witness Service. NSPCC website explains: Giving evidence in court is distressing for anyone. But for children who’ve been through something as horrific as sexual abuse, it’s even harder. Going to court to talk about what happened can add to the trauma they’ve already suffered. We provide free, independent and confidential support and assistance to children and young people under 18 years old who have to attend court as witnesses in Northern Ireland.

photo via NSPCC Northern Ireland Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery; Credit © Press Eye/Kelvin Boyes

NSPCC workers and volunteers provide information and advice to children and young people – as well as their family, friends and supporters – before, during and after the trial. According to Belfast Telegraph article, The event was attended by NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless plus several of the Young Witness Service volunteers and staff who spoke to the Countess of Wessex about their experiences and their work. HRH, who is NSPCC Patron, was also introduced to Connie, the NSPCC’s court assistance dog. For full article and gallery of pictures, click here.

Also today, The Countess officially opened the new adult Northern Ireland Hospice building in Belfast, and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast (Mrs. Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle). The first brick of the new Northern Ireland Adult Hospice was laid on the 4th April 2014. It took next two years of fundraising, project management and negotiations until patients were admitted to the new world class, purpose built Hospice in May 2016. Northern Ireland Hospice provides specialist palliative care for patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families in the Inpatient Unit or in the community.

photo via Northern Ireland Hospice Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery; Credit © Press Eye/Darren Kidd

The hospice provides a range of holistic person-centred inpatient and community specialist palliative and rehabilitative services, in an environment of learning and research, enabling individuals with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses and their families to maximise the quality of their lives. It aims to enhance the quality of life and support those who are suffering from life-limiting illnesses, as well as support their families through the illness of their loved one, at the time of death, and, into bereavement.

During her visit, The Countess unveiled a plaque marking the official opening, and made a short speech, “I’d like to have my own thanks and congratulations to everybody, for creating what is, it’s a stunning, stunning place. It’s partly about the care, which is so important, but you could only do so much if you didn’t have the proper facilities, that you’ve made the job of caring for the people that are loved so much easier for those who ? the job. So thank you for doing that, because they are just as important as the patients are”. For video of HRH’s visit and full speech, click here. For gallery of pictures of HRH’s visit, please click here. Report of the official opening is here. I also found ITV report of HRH’s visit to Belfast, for article click here. One more article is here.

photo posted with kind permission from RADAR NI – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

The Countess also visited RADAR – Risk Avoidance and Danger Awareness Resource is Northern Ireland’s first fully interactive, safety and life skills education centre since it’s opening in January 2016. It’s interactive, fun, and informative. RADAR gives young people a unique chance to explore dangerous situations in a risk free environment. This innovative Centre has a full sized street scene, with a house, bus, train, fire station, court room, prison cell, shop, boat and much, much more. This event was about cycle safety. HRH was received by Mr. Colin Russell (Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast).

In the evening, The Countess of Wessex as Patron of NSPCC attended a Dinner at Harbour Office, Corporation Square, Belfast, and was received by Professor Martin Bradley (Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast). On a side note, I am having issues with Facebook, it is blocking link to my blog as malicious, but do not worry, I have checked it through various sites, and the website is definitely ‘healthy’, FB recently blocked many websites, and even though I tried to resolve this problem via their “Help” centre, it is something beyond my control at the moment. If anyone can help, please let me know.

Outfit & jewellery:
Back coat, it might be the older Armani one.
Alaïa lace overlay flared dress. Slightly modified version.
New Paloma’s Sugar Stacks citrine earrings by Tiffany & Co.
Sophie Habsburg clutch bag, “In & Out“.   
LK Bennett Belle boots.

HRH with visit to Qatar in support of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight #2

Yesterday in the morning, on the 23th of November, The Countess of Wessez as Global Ambassador of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, called upon Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa (Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar). Her Royal Highness, afterwards called upon Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani (Prime Minister of the State of Qatar).

According to the Gulf-Times article: ‘They discussed topics of mutual interests, especially combating blindness and the role of Qatar in helping children with vision problems in a number of countries in the world through “Qatar Vision” initiative’. For full article, that has a very detailed info on HRH’s itinerary when in Qatar, please click here.

photo Doha English Speaking School via Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

The Countess of Wessex later visited Doha English Speaking School (DESS), one of the oldest British schools in Doha, for children aged 3-11. At DESS an education is delivered through the British curriculum, which will allow a child to continue their education internationally or into the British education system whether that be secondary education or through a seamless transition back to the UK. During visit, the children at DESS presented The Countess about the funds they had recently raised for Qatar Creating Vision.

photo Doha English Speaking School via Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

In the afternoon, The Countess also visited Hamad Medical Corporation’s new hospitals at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City and Sidra Medicine focusing on the world-class ophthalmology facilities offered by both organisations. First, Her Royal Highness toured the facilities at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City which encompasses three new hospitals – the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, the Ambulatory Care Center and the Women’s Wellness and Research Center.

photo @SidraMedicine via Twitter

During the tour, she visited the state-of-the-art ophthalmology department at the Ambulatory Care Center and the world-class hydrotherapy suite and speech therapy services at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. The Countess then visited Sidra Medicine, Qatar’s new hospital for children, young people, and women, where she toured the paediatric ophthalmology facilities. The tours concluded with a round-table discussion including The Countess.

photo Qatar British Business Forum via Facebook – click on pic to be redirected & view full gallery

In the evening, The Countess attended the Annual Qatar British Business Forum Awards at W Hotel, and was received by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar (His Excellency Mr Ajay Sharma). The Qatar British Business Forum awards recognise business excellence and those members of the British business community who have made outstanding contributions over the past year. DESS has been awarded the Qatar British Business Forum Organisation Of The Year Award 2017. The award was presented by Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex.

photo Qatar British Business Forum via Facebook

For Daily Mail “coverage” click here. However they surprised me with an article titled “Why Sophie is the unsung hero of the Royal Family: Low-key Countess of Wessex works tirelessly without any pomp and ceremony (and is always armed with a pair of sensible shoes)”. It is quite decent., click here. Again, sorry for the lack of pictures, but I haven’t located a single one that I could use apart from the evening engagement.

Outfit & jewellery:
Paisley Vine-print silk-crepe de chine dress by Erdem.
Siren Stud earrings by Monica Vinader.
With Detachable Gemstone earrings in Labradorite by Heavenly Necklaces. 
2 gemstone bracelets, by Heavenly Necklaces.
Noble Macmillan Tassell Pouch in Cyclamen colour.
Prada Brown Suede Pointtoe Pumps.  
New to me watch.
evening:
New ufo black cut-out top.
Skirt seen 1 time before, cannot ID it.
Dior assymetric pointed-toe pump in black suede with graded heel.  
Glitter clutch seen before, no ID.
UFO earrings & necklace.

HRH with visit to Qatar in support of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight #1

In the morning of the 22nd of November, The Countess of Wessex, departed Dhaka International Airport in Bangladesh for Qatar and was received upon arrival later at Hamad International Airport in Doha, by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar (His Excellency Mr Ajay Sharma). The Countess of Wessex who is a Global Ambassador of the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness went to Qatar to see the work of eye health charity Orbis.

photo Qatar Fund For Development via Instagram

In the afternoon, Her Royal Highness attended a Qatar Creating Vision Meeting at Oryx Rotana in Doha. Qatar Creating Vision is a brand new initiative, supported by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), which will provide 5.5 million eye screenings and treatments to children in India and Bangladesh over the next four years. This initiative was born thanks to HRH’s passion and commitment, who first visited Qatar in 2013 and then again in 2015. To read full story, click here.

photo Qatar Creating Vision via Instagram

During the meeting, the QFFD announced that their eye health initiative – Qatar Creating Vision – being implemented by Orbis has provided almost 2.4 million eye tests to children in India and Bangladesh and 27,000 training sessions for doctors, teachers and community workers, since work began in July 2016. The Countess said: “Last time when I visited Doha in 2015, Qatar Creating Vision initiative was born by partnership of QFFD and Orbis. I travelled to Bangladesh to see wonderful work being done there under the initiative. The Qatar Fund for Development funding is being wisely spent.” To learn more details, click here.

photo via Facebook: Qatar Charity قطر الخيرية

The Countess then visited the Qatar Charity in Doha, one of the largest non-governmental charities in the Gulf, which focuses health & social care, housing & infrastructure, water & wells & emergency campaigns. The Countess met staff from Qatar Charity and took part in a discussion about the charity’s current projects. Qatar Charity was founded in 1992 for the development of the Qatari community and those communities in need. The QC projects address issues ranging from disaster relief to income generation initiatives, to education and health care. Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani is the current chairman of Qatar Charity, which is active in more than 25 countries and has subsidiary offices in UK, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

Her Royal Highness at the British Embassy in Doha, subsequently attended a Meeting with representatives of the Qatari Women’s Business Association, who included leading retail outlet owners, artists and musicians. Qatari Businesswomen Association was established in year 2000 to enhance women’s contribution to the economic activity which constitutes a real gain both to Qatari women and the society at large. QBWF has launched a number of important initiatives and initiated a partnership with Qatar Businessmen Association, a partnership that aims to extend its platform to include different sectors and build cooperation relationships with the Qatari organizations to support its vision and help achieve its objectives.

photo via Al Mayassa Al Thani Twitter feed

The day finished at the Fire Station Museum in Doha – previously a Civil Defence Building, it now houses art exhibition space and artist’s studios. The Countess met some of the artists who are benefiting from the 9 month ‘Fire Station Artist in Residency‘ programme that supports emerging artists. The Fire Station residency offers nine-month programmes for artists who are resident in Qatar. During this time, they move into one of the studios, collaborate with fellow creatives and develop their own technique. They meet curators, can access all exhibitions and are encouraged to join lectures. They benefit from weekly mentoring sessions and meet arts professionals from all over the world, representing Qatar in the international cultural community. The initiative demonstrates our commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

I am really sorry for the lack of pictures but I cannot use those shared by Royal Family or Orbis, as those belong to Tim Rooke of Rex Agency. For Daily Mail coverage, click here.

Outfit & jewellery:
Sandro Volonte Zipped Blazer.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Graphic floral-print silk-blend mini dress.
UFO earrings.
E, J&L diamond letter charm necklace by Felt London, with chain in hayseed style also by Felt London.
Skagen Ladies’ Nicoline Refined Watch.
Anya Hindmarch bespoke loose pocket clutch bag with HRH’s Cypher.
Prada Brown Suede Pointtoe Pumps. 
Orbis badge.

HRH with visit to Bangladesh in support of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight #3

On the 21st of November, The Countess of Wessex visited Chittagong War Cemetery in Chittagong, Bangladesh, where HRH attended a service of remembrance. As the band of the Parachute regiment played The Last Post, Her Royal Highness laid a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice. The Chittagong Commonwealth War Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery that was established to show the honor for the soldiers and others who died in World War II. The cemetery was created by the British Army, and there were originally about 400 burials.

The Countess then visited Chittagong Eye Infirmary andTraining Complex as Global Ambassador of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, meeting a number of patients who have successfully been operated on by staff who were trained by Orbis. In the hospital library HRH met students and medical staff who are benefiting from the facility, which allows them to study new techniques and research. HRH also met with little Fatima, who is four. She suffered from a cataract and had it removed by Orbis volunteers and local medical staff. Fatima was very happy with her snazzy glasses and super teddy, which kept the big grin on her face.

photo Murtuza Nuruddin via Facebook

Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex is a multi-disciplinary purpose built tertiary eye care institution with specific functions like ophthalmic human resources development and providing eye care services at various levels, now recognised as one of the major ophthalmic referral and training centres in Bangladesh. The organisation has given importance to outreach programmes from its very inception, undertaking mobile eye camp programmes to bring services to all those who have been needlessly blind for years.

photo Murtuza Nuruddin via Facebook

Afterwards, at the Asian University for Women, The Countess met a number of staff & students, from across Bangladesh, India & Afghanistan, who are studying politics, philosophy and economics. Opened in 2008, the University recruits students from 15 countries in Asia and the Middle East, many of whom are former garment factory workers & refugees. The AUW seeks to educate the next generation of leaders for Asia and the Middle East and so far has provided nearly 550 women with a quality education. 

photo Raisa Nawar via Facebook

The day of engagements finished at Orbis’s Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), a converted MD10 aeroplane that is visiting Chittagong for 2 weeks to deliver ophthalmic training & provide surgeries for locals. The plane is on it’s 10th visit to the country and it’s fourth trip to Chittagong. On a tour of the plane, which is the only one of its kind in the world, HRH was shown the operating theatre, recovery room and teaching facilities. The Countess met Flying Eye Hospital Staff Nurse, Monelle Ross, who was busy teaching local nurses about basic life support. Sophie also met Orbis’ mechanic on the plane, named Val.

photo Diamond Jubilee Trust via Twitter

In the evening, The Countess of Wessex attended a Garden Party held by the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh (Her Excellency Ms Alison Blake) at the Residence in Dhaka.

PS. My kind thank you to Florence & Natasha of Orbis for their help. Sorry for delay with this post, but I had a few hectic days at work, and a new system installed on new hardrive, which is always painful 🙂 For Daily Mail coverage, click here. Today Sophie was already at Qatar, post tomorrow, once cc will be released.

Outfit & jewellery:
Jana Dress Midnight Rose Bouquet by Erdem.
Pangolin Earrings in Sterling Silver by Patrick Mavros. I believe the smaller, 2,5 cm version.
Patrick Mavros Pangolin pendant.
Skagen Ladies’ Nicoline Refined Watch.
Sophie Habsburg clutch bag, “In & Out“.   
J.Crew Canvas espadrille wedges.
Ray-Ban RB4227 Sunglasses.
evening:
‘Mimi‘ dress by Emilia Wickstead in pink shade.
UFO earrings.
Skagen Ladies’ Nicoline Refined Watch.
GIANVITO ROSSI Bari 85 patent-leather court shoes in pale pink. 

HRH with visit to Bangladesh in support of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight #2

Today, 20th November, The Countess of Wessex continued her visit to Bangladesh as Vice Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Today, HRH travelled to Barisal, to find out how projects supported by the Trust are tackling the escalating problem of blindness caused by diabetes. Bangladesh has one of the highest numbers of people with diabetes in the world.

photo by Sheikh Rajibul Islam / The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, posted with kind permission.

Nearly 10% of people have diabetes, and over half of all cases are undiagnosed. This means that people aren’t seeking the screening and treatment they need to protect their sight. The number of people going blind from the disease is expected to triple by 2030. With The Fred Hollows Foundation, (named after ophthalmologist who became known for his work in restoring eyesight for countless thousands of people in Australia and many other countries), the Trust is increasing awareness so that people receive the timely screening and treatment they need.

photo by Sheikh Rajibul Islam / The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, posted with kind permission.

First, The Countess of Wessex visited the Sher-e Bangla Medical College and Hospital, which runs a successful department dedicated to the screening and treatment of people with diabetic retinopathy. During her visit, The Countess met staff and patients and had her own eyes screened with equipment funded by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. She was presented with a print of her scan, which was photographed by Tim Rooke.

Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (SBMC), is a government medical school, established in 1968. It is affiliated with University of Dhaka as a constituent college. SBMC awards MBBS degree and offers professional training and medical research facility at its hospital. SBMC was known as Barisal Medical College but was renamed to its current title, bestowed in honor of former prime minister A. K. Fazlul Huq, who was often called by the phrase “Sher-e- Bangla” (Tiger of Bengal).

photo by Sheikh Rajibul Islam / The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, posted with kind permission.

Afterwards, The Countess went on to visit two rural community awareness programmes which work with the local population to prevent diabetic retinopathy. At Balurmath The Countess watched a performance of educational drama and music on the importance of nutrition and eye screening. Through dance & song the Trust is raising awareness and preventing blindness from diabetes in remote parts of Bangladesh.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fqejubileetrust%2Fvideos%2F1906248009416127%2F&show_text=0&width=560 

At another project, HRH listened to a local ophthalmologist who is training women who live in the rural communities about diabetes and nutrition. The Countess met the group and heard first hand how they take what they have learnt and share it with their families and friends. In Bangladesh, the issue of diabetic retinopathy is exacerbated by the fact that over half of all cases of diabetes are undiagnosed. It is essential that all those with diabetes receive early screening, treatment and appropriate follow-up care, as this can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by 95%. To read full press release by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, please visit this link. For Daily Mail coverage, click here. Hello article is here.

photo Khokan Sikder via Facebook

In the evening, The Countess of Wessex as Global Ambassador of International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, attended a Reception for Orbis at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Shahid Saifuddin Road, Chittagong.

Outfit & jewellery:
STELLA MCCARTNEY Arlesa stretch-crepe top.
ROLAND MOURET Uppingham wide crepe trousers.
UFO blue topaz earrings.
E, J&L diamond letter charm necklace by Felt London, with chain in hayseed style also by Felt London.
Sophie Habsburg clutch bag, “In & Out“.  
Skagen Ladies’ Nicoline Refined Watch.
J.Crew Canvas espadrille wedges.
Ray-Ban RB4227 Sunglasses.
Smythson Panama tote in orange/coral.

HRH with visit to Bangladesh in support of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight

The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador of the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) arrived at Dhaka International Airport Bangladesh today in the morning (19th November), to visit projects and organisations working to eradicate avoidable blindness. Uppon arrival The Countess was received by the British High Commissioner to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (Her Excellency Miss Alison Blake). This visit hasn’t been announced in advance and details are uknown to me.

According to royal photographer, Tim Rooke (@Rookie via Twitter), this visit was undertaken on behalf of Orbis & Queen Diamond Jubilee Trust. Orbis UK is a charity that works to prevent and treat blindness through training, education, advocacy and building partnerships with local health care organisations. Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust is organization that works towards eliminating avoidable blindness. The Countess is a Vice Patron. This visit is part of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight innitative – The Countess is its Patron since 2003.

In the afternoon, The Countess of Wessex attended a Meeting with Sheikh Hasina Wajed (Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh) at Old Sangsad Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka; the Prime Minister’s official Residence. According to articles, HRH informed the Prime Minister of the vision of “removing avoidable blindness” by 2020. In return, The Countess was informed of the healthcare services extended across the country by Prime Minister’s government. Articles about the visit can be found here & here.

During the meeting The Countess and Prime Minister, also expressed their concern over the continued flow of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into Bangladesh. Described as the world’s most persecuted people, 1.1 million Rohingya people live in Myanmar. The Rohingya are reviled by many in Myanmar as illegal immigrants and they suffer from systematic discrimination. To learn more about this crisis please check articles by The Hindu (here) and also The Guardian (here).

Afterwards, The Countess of Wessex went on to the Ispahani Islamic Eye Institute and Hospital, the largest multispecialty eye hospital in Bangladesh, supported by Orbis, where she visited the paediatric outpatient department. During her visit, The Countess helped to remove 10 years old Billal’s bandages following cataract surgery. The Countess then opened the hospital’s new ‘wet lab’ – a training facility that enables ophthalmologists to practise techniques before performing surgery on patients. That’s all I was able to gather for now. I assume security is very tight and details will be known later on.

Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital began as a charitable dispensary founded by the late Mr. M. A. Ispahani, an industrialist and philanthropist. It then developed into an eye hospital in 1960, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, and has always been a non-profit organisation. Apart from its basic ophthalmic services, it also pioneered various tertiary ophthalmic super-specialties. At the same time, Islamia Eye Hospital, as it was then known, started providing training to increase the human resource capacity for ophthalmic services in Bangladesh.

Over the years, Islamia has established itself as a leading ophthalmic organization in Bangladesh for providing specialized services and training courses. A recent development of Islamia has been the establishment of three branch hospitals in remote districts of Bangladesh (Jamalpur, Barisal, and Naogaon) under a project entitled “Creating Access to Eye Care Services for Rural People”. This project was initiated and has been supported by ORBIS International. To learn more, click here.

Her Royal Highness afterwards visited BRAC – the world’s largest NGO – which is working in conjunction with Orbis to expand its eye care services working in communities. HRH saw a demonstration of the work of a community worker and met staff.

photo The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at IUB – DEA IUB via Facebook – click on pic to be redirected

In the evening, The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, attended a Reception at the Residence of the British High Commissioner to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for young people who have achieved the Gold Standard in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Event was also attended by Sue Walker, Asia Pacific regional director of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, and Sayeeful Islam, chairman of the Board of Trustees of The DEA Foundation, Bangladesh and also managing director of Concord Garments Group, attended the ceremony.

photo The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at IUB – DEA IUB via Facebook – click on pic to be redirected

This year, the Gold Award went to 272 students of ABC International School, Bangladesh International Tutorial, Maple Leaf International School, Stride International School, The Aga Khan School Dhaka, Basirannesa High School, Cantonment College Jessore, Chittagong Grammar School-Chittagong, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), Independent University Bangladesh, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Dhaka University (DU), and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. For article click here.

For now I wasn’t able to obtain any images of HRH’s that I could use on the blog. But follow Rookie, he tweeted some. Daily Mail did an article, though word article is a huge overstatement. Anyway to read this feature, click here.

Outfit & jewellery:
New, Ailie sleeveless silk-organza jacquard dress by Erdem.
Brown pearl earrings, seen before, no ID.
E, J&L diamond letter charm necklace by Felt London, with chain in hayseed style also by Felt London.
Sophie Habsburg bag in Amber style.   
Skagen Ladies’ Nicoline Refined Watch. 
GIANVITO ROSSI Bari 85 patent-leather court shoes in pale pink.
evening:
Turtleneck knitted top by Victoria Beckham.
A-line knitted skirt by Victoria Beckham.
Heavenly Necklaces The non-Drop Drops.
UFO necklace seen before.
Jimmy Choo Romy 100 velvet pumps in Ballet Pink