The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh enjoyed a ride around Lisbon on a historic tram as they kicked off a three-day tour of Portugal.
I joined Prince Edward and Sophie as they hopped on the tram outside the city’s famous Estrela Garden, where they were greeted by the mayor Carlos Moedas as well as some off-duty firefighters, who were marking the country’s National Day of Children. The couple were in high spirits as they climbed inside the carriage and took a seat for their 10-minute ride, then chatted to the driver before getting off.
Crossing the road as another tram drove past, Sophie stopped and said: “I’m not going to mess with a tram.”
The couple began their visit celebrating Portugal’s historic ties with the UK, viewing an exhibition about the world’s oldest diplomatic alliance. They also learned more about the royal couple whose marriage more than 600 years ago sealed the relationship between the two countries.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Duke and Duchess touched down in Lisbon on Monday afternoon and headed to the Portuguese National Archive to open the Treaty of Windsor exhibition, which marks the 640th anniversary of the diplomatic alliance between the UK and Portugal. Here, they unveiled the original English and Portuguese copies of the Treaty, which have gone in display side by side for the first time since 1386.
“You look after your documents better than we do,” joked Edward, as the couple viewed copies of the treaty written in English and Portuguese, as well as ten wax seals. “The writing is so small,” Sophie commented.
© Alamy Stock PhotoA year after the Treaty was signed, Portugal’s King João married England’s Philippa of Lancaster, who became his Queen, further cementing the Anglo-Portuguese relationship. Their children became the ‘Illustrious Generation’ that helped put Portugal on the map and included Henry the Navigator – a key figure in Portugal’s early maritime exploration.
Telling his hosts at the National Archive how Portugal had helped after the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992, Edward said: “It was Portugal that wanted to be involved in the restoration of that, and we’re always very grateful for that offer, and, and if you ever go into the Crimson Room, then all the tassel work in there, you are very much at the heart of Windsor Castle as well, and we thank you.”
The visit, which will continue in the city of Porto, will see the couple undertake engagements in support of issues close to their hearts, including youth opportunity, sports inclusion and Women, Peace and Security. Their programme will include visits to historic sites reflecting UK–Portugal heritage, alongside meetings with students, community organisations, and highlighting innovative partnerships.
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