Britain’s Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie will visit Finland on Monday, 26 October, for a two-day programme that includes meetings with Finnish leaders, visits to local organisations and companies, and a public appearance in Helsinki, according to the British royal household.
The Duke of Edinburgh and his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, are scheduled to meet Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, during their visit. Their programme also includes a meeting with Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen of the National Coalition Party and Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov, who also represents the party.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to see the royal couple in Helsinki on Monday afternoon. Edward and Sophie are expected to appear in front of Helsinki City Hall at around 5pm, where people can gather to greet them.
The visit will also highlight Finnish business, technology and innovation. The couple are scheduled to visit Kalevala Jewelry, telecommunications company Nokia and food technology company Solar Foods. They will also meet representatives of CMI, a Finnish organisation that works on conflict resolution.
Education and defence are also part of the programme. The Duke and Duchess will visit Havukoski School in Vantaa, north of Helsinki, and the Santahamina garrison in eastern Helsinki.
The trip brings Edward and Sophie back to Finland for the first time since 2015. Prince Edward is the youngest brother of King Charles III, while Sophie has accompanied him on official engagements in Britain and abroad.
Their October visit combines diplomatic meetings with engagements focused on Finnish industry, education, conflict resolution and defence, offering opportunities to strengthen connections between the United Kingdom and Finland.
