The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Finland
Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Finland between 2 and 6 February 2015.
© 2013 The Royal Household Bagshot Park/Image by Millie Pilkington
During the week-long programme Their Royal Highnesses traveled to Helsinki and Lapland, and The Earl of Wessex visited the Åland Islands. The Earl and Countess met the President of the Republic of Finland, Mr Sauli Niinistö, and the Minister of Culture and Housing, Ms Piia Viitanen. The programme in Helsinki included a presentation of the International Award for Young People, a youth development programme known in the UK as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. As guests of the Finnish Defence Forces, Their Royal Highnesses saw Finnish conscripts undergo Arctic training in Lapland. In the Åland Islands His Royal Highness called on the Speaker of the Åland Parliament, met athletes who will take part in the Island Games in Jersey in 2015, and visited the site of the Battle of Bomarsund.
Throughout the visit, Their Royal Highnesses were accompanied by the British Ambassador to Finland, Ms Sarah Price.
Notes to Editors
The Earl of Wessex carries out a full schedule of royal duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Earl of Wessex is involved with 79 organisations and holds 8 military appointments. He plays a very active role in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme both as a UK and International Trustee, and as Chairman of the International Council. The Countess of Wessex is particularly involved with charities relating to children and people with disabilities and communication problems.