Prince Harry has made the surprise announcement that he isn't quite ready to leave Nepal yet. The royal, who has been on tour since Saturday, was due to depart on Wednesday but it seems he has taken such a shine to his host country.
Delivering what was meant to be his farewell speech at the British Embassy, Harry said: "The people I have met and the beauty of this country make it very hard to leave."
"Thankfully however, I'm not leaving just yet!" he added, surprising fellow guests and royal watchers.
© Photo: Getty Images"The people I have met and the beauty of this country make it very hard to leave," said Prince Harry
Harry will travel to a remote village to help Team Rubicon charity on an earthquake relief project. The Prince, who has seen various recovery projects during his stay, will help reconstruct a school destroyed by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of April 2015.
Alongside a group of volunteers, the 31-year-old will trek into the mountains of central Nepal with his own equipment to assist the local community in all aspects of repairing and rebuilding their school.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHarry visited children who have been injured while living in the earthquake recovery camps
Since the earthquake struck, students have been taking their classes in makeshift classrooms made of poles, tarpaulins and tin. These temporary facilities will provide little defence against the difficult weather conditions in the rainy season to come.
"I'm so grateful to have this opportunity at the end of my official tour to do my small bit to help this beautiful country," Harry said at the UK Embassy Reception.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal will help charity Team Rubicon on an earthquake relief project
A statement from Kensington Palace confirmed that Harry will play a full role in the project and spend the next week camping in the mountains. He will return to the UK at the end of the month.
In his farewell speech, Harry gave a special mention to some of the incredible people he has met along the way, including 15-year-old Purushottam Suwal, the chairperson of the community committee at Byasi camp, where 80 families lost their homes in last year's earthquake.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHe said of 15-year-old Purushottam Suwal: "I would not be surprised if I meet him again on a future visit as Prime Minister"
"His energy and optimism was inspiring and I was left in no doubt why his community had picked him to lead them through such a difficult time," said Harry. "I would not be surprised if I meet him again on a future visit as Prime Minister. Keep an eye out for him!"
"What happened in this country a year ago was a tragic disaster," he concluded. "But the people I met showed me that everyone is focused on the work ahead."
After listing all the reasons why people should visit Nepal, Harry sweetly said: "Most of all you have to come to meet the people of Nepal. I have rarely in my life felt as welcomed as I have over the last few days. If anything I may have been a bit too welcome! This tika is here to stay."
