The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will travel to Finland next week for a three-day visit, Buckingham Palace has announced. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie are scheduled to be in Finland between Monday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 28.
The visit is intended to recognise the "close and longstanding relationship" between the UK and Finland. The couple will undertake a number of engagements highlighting the UK's partnership with Finland across sectors including defence and security, business and innovation, and culture and education.
Meetings in Helsinki and Oulu
In the capital, Helsinki, Edward and Sophie will be received by Finland's president, Alexander Stubb, and will learn about Finnish expertise in peace mediation, innovation and security.
In Oulu, which this year holds the title of European Capital of Culture, the duke is set to experience some of the city's cultural programme and meet organisations and individuals contributing to the city's vibrant creative sector.
Visit to Santahamina Garrison
The couple will also visit Santahamina Garrison, where they will be introduced to the work of the Finnish Defence Forces and hear about the country's approach to national resilience and security cooperation.
Edward and Sophie's visit comes at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Their last trip to the country was in 2015, 11 years ago.
