Prince Harry pays tribute to earthquake survivors in Nepal

Prince Harry, who is on a five-day visit to Nepal, said that he hoped his visit would turn the world's attention on the "resolve and resilience of the Nepalese people" who are still recovering from the deadly April 2015 earthquake.

According to the Guardian, Harry said that he was delighted to be asked to visit a country which has fascinated him and captured the imagination of many other Britons.

Speaking at a reception by the Nepal government in Kathmandu, he told the guests, "Like so many people back home, I have grown up seeing beautiful images of Nepal in books and on television. I am sure you hear this all the time, but your country holds a special place in the imagination for so many people around the world."

Harry, who had served with the Gurkha troops in Afghanistan, had always wanted to visit the country.

He was also keen to see how the country's rebuilding effort is progressing after the earthquake and aftershocks in April last year killed almost 9,000 people and damaged almost a million houses and buildings.

"I also know that I arrive here in Nepal as you approach the first anniversary of the earthquakes that took so many lives and that you are working to recover from. I pay my respects to those who perished and hope to do what I can to shine a spotlight on the resolve and resilience of the Nepalese people. I want to show all those people around the world who want to help that this is a country open for business - so please come and visit again," the Prince said.

"I look forward to exploring your landscapes, celebrating your culture, and I hope to make many new friends along the way," he added.

Harry began his tour by paying a visit to Nepal's Prime Minister, Khadga Prasad Oli.